Feed: CNN.com - WORLD
Posted on: Friday, January 06, 2012 12:44 PM
Author: CNN.com - WORLD
Subject: 'Humanitarian disaster area' in South Sudan

South Sudan appealed for international aid for a remote region under attack by roaming fighters, as thousands of residents fled into the bush to avoid the violence.

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South Sudan appeals for humanitarian aid amid fighting

By the CNN Wire Staff

January 6, 2012 -- Updated 1043 GMT (1843 HKT)

In a U.N. photo, displaced persons rest in Pibor, Jonglei state after fleeing a wave of bloody ethnic violence.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

At least 50,000 people flee violence in the state
The government declares the state a "humanitarian disaster area"
Ethnic tension flares as tribes fight over grazing lands

(CNN) -- South Sudan appealed for international aid for a remote region under attack by roaming fighters, as thousands of residents fled into the bush to avoid the violence.

At least 50,000 people fled to avoid the clashes, officials said, but the extent of the violence was unclear.

The government declared the state a "humanitarian disaster area" and urged international aid agencies to help provide urgently needed assistance.

The United Nations sent a battalion of peacekeepers last week amid reports that members of the Lou Nuer tribe were marching toward the town, which is home to the rival Murle tribe.

Ethnic tensions in Jonglei state have flared as tribes fight over grazing lands and water rights, leading to cattle raids and abduction of women and children.

Government officials have urged the two ethnic groups to return women and children abducted in the spate of violence.

More forces will be deployed and a committee established to push for reconciliation between the two groups, according to government spokesman Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

As residents flee the fighting, the United Nations said peacekeepers are having trouble accessing the rugged and isolated region, which is surrounded by thick forests.

"The problem we faced in this particular region of Jonglei state was one of access, because there are no roads, because of insufficient helicopters," said Herve Ladsous, the U.N. peacekeeping chief. "So we did reinforce our available staff there. The government of South Sudan itself is trying to do the same, but facing the same constraints."

Fighters first struck Saturday in an area out of the reach of U.N. peacekeepers, said Col. Philip Auger of the South Sudan army.