In the aftermath of Southern Sudan being granted independence following a referendum, it is believed that around 200 people have been killed after being chased into a river by rebel forces.
Previous reports had suggested that the figure was just over 100.
It is alleged that supporters of opposition leader George Athor are behind the attack, following last month’s vote which saw 99% of the Southern Sudan population vote in favour of breaking away from the north. But Mr. Athor has claimed that the southern army is responsible for the attack which happened in the southern state of Jonglei.
A ceasefire between the north and south had been announced last month in the run-up to the referendum, which will now see Southern Sudan recognised as the world’s newest country from July 9.
The latest scenes are a far cry from those witnessed in Sudan’s capital, Juba when the referendum results were announced little more than two weeks ago. Then, there was jubilation, waving of flags and cheering. Now, mass graves are being dug for those killed in what has been described by officials as “a massacre”.
Whether harmony can be restored remains to be seen, but what is clear is that both the north and the south have significant work to do to build bridges which have divided the once united Sudan since the civil war began in 1955.