The number of Sudanese traders killed in recent violence in Wau town in South Sudan’s Western Bahr al Ghazal State has reached at least to 10, while 20 others are reported missing, a member of trade regulatory body said.

Al Saed Mohamed Issa, a member of the Wau chamber of commerce at Jou market, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that about 10 Darfuri traders were killed in clashes and have already been buried. Issa further said over 20 others are still missing.

Last week, multiple sources told Radio Tamazuj that about six Darfuri traders were killed including Al-Fekki Ishag who was murdered at Hai Kreish during violent clashes between the government forces and an armed group in the town.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Minister of Information Michael Makuei said that 39 civilians and 4 policemen died during fighting, and more bodies still need to be collected.

Makuei announced the emergence of a new rebel group led by South Sudanese politician Ali Tamim Fartak.