37PEOPLE DIED IN SOUTH SUDAN UNITY STATE PEACE TALK

 

At least 37 people have been killed in South Sudan during a shoot-out at a peace meeting aimed at ending recent violence, officials said.

Officials from three states and the UN had met for talks in the remote town of Mayendit in Unity state in an effort to reduce inter-ethnic tensions.
The talks were called after a series of clashes, including one in which 74 people were killed earlier this week.
Thousands of people have been displaced in the violence.
According to the UN, the fighting took place when four trucks of gunmen arrived at the meeting after a row broke out, and began to shoot indiscriminately.
The gunmen included policemen from different units, soldiers, bodyguards and armed wildlife officials, according to AFP news agency.
Many others were wounded in the confrontation, including a UN staff member.
Correspondents say the lack of security in South Sudan, which became independent last July, is one of its greatest challenges.
Hundreds of people have also been killed in a series of tit-for-tat cattle raids in Jonglei state in recent weeks.

source:bbc