The South Sudanese government has formed a high level committee to investigate ongoing fighting in Wau town. The committee will be headed by the Minister of Health, Riek Gai Kok.

Violent clashes between government forces and an armed group in Wau town took place last week, displacing 15,000 people by one estimate. 

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.

“These delegations will be leaving either today or tomorrow” Makuei said. “Their duty is to go and find what exactly happened and talk to people -- those who fled and have run into the bush”

Kok will lead the committee, and the Minister of Justice will be the deputy and secretary. The committee will also include Ambassador John Andoga from the ministry of foreign affairs, the director general for internal security, the deputy general chief of staff, director general for internal security, deputy chief of police, deputy chief of military intelligence, and a member from civil society.

Related:

Wau relatively calm, army ordered to return to barracks (28 Jun.)

Dozens of dead bodies strew Wau streets (27 Jun.)