The death toll of the recent tribal clashes in South Sudan’s Western Lakes state rose to 173, a legislator representing the area said on Monday.
Clashes between rival factions of the Rup and Pakam clans broke out in Malek County on Wednesday and continued until Friday last week. Also several houses were burnt down.
Dhoruai Mabor Teny, an MP representing Rumbek East County in the national parliament, told Radio Tamazuj today that the tribal fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 173 people from both side.
“The total number of people who lost their lives is 173 and the wounded people are many. I received a report that the number of wounded could reach 213,” he said.
“We received this report from the deputy governor, so he is the one who gave us the report,” he added.
The lawmaker urged President Kiir to declare a state of emergency immediately and deploy the military to disarm civilians who are holding guns.
“We want the president to suspend the state constitution so that the disarmament can take place. Civilians now are stronger than the state government because they have guns,” he said.
Traditionally, most of the tribes in South Sudan own weapons and solve disputes sometimes without involving the state.