South Sudan government said it will deploy a security force in the strife-torn state of Gogrial to patrol buffer zones and defuse tensions between rival communities of Aguok and Apuk.

Clashes between the two clans killed at least 38 people in President Kiir’s home town of Gogrial recently. The Apuk and Aguok clans clashed over grazing lands, border disputes and water points in the area.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, South Sudan’s presidential spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny said the government decided to deploy troops in Gogrial during a meeting between President Salva Kiir and traditional leaders in Juba.

Ateny further said the security force will protect civilians before the two sides engage in a reconciliation process, adding that the government troops will help in civilian disarmament.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the People’s Liberal Party, Peter Mayen who hails from Warrap accused members of the ruling SPLM party of fuelling the ongoing inter-clan conflict in Gogrial.

Mayen claimed that local politicians are responsible for inciting the two communities of Apuk and Aguok to fight each other because they benefit from it. Mayen pointed out that the conflict can only be resolved by a decision from local leaders.