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Sudan cattle clashes kill dozens Sudan cattle clashes kill dozens
(about 1 hour later)
At least 47 people have been killed in fighting between rival groups in southern Sudan in the latest round of bloody clashes in the troubled region.At least 47 people have been killed in fighting between rival groups in southern Sudan in the latest round of bloody clashes in the troubled region.
This attack was blamed on cattle raiding, but it is the latest in a string of violent clashes in the area.This attack was blamed on cattle raiding, but it is the latest in a string of violent clashes in the area.
Gunmen from the Mundari ethnic group attacked two villages belonging to the Dinka people, said a spokesman for the army in the south.Gunmen from the Mundari ethnic group attacked two villages belonging to the Dinka people, said a spokesman for the army in the south.
Tension is rising ahead of historic elections due in April 2010.Tension is rising ahead of historic elections due in April 2010.
Residents of the semi-autonomous south are registering for the elections this month. They are the first presidential, parliamentary and local elections in 24 years.Residents of the semi-autonomous south are registering for the elections this month. They are the first presidential, parliamentary and local elections in 24 years.
Minister woundedMinister wounded
Ten Dinka people were killed and 16 wounded in the Bulok area of Awerial county in Lakes state, late on Monday night, the army spokesman said.Ten Dinka people were killed and 16 wounded in the Bulok area of Awerial county in Lakes state, late on Monday night, the army spokesman said.
But he said the villagers fought back hard and 37 attackers were killed.But he said the villagers fought back hard and 37 attackers were killed.
The BBC's Peter Martell in the southern Sudanese capital Juba says the scale and frequency of the attacks is worrying.The BBC's Peter Martell in the southern Sudanese capital Juba says the scale and frequency of the attacks is worrying.
According to the UN, more than 2,000 people have died and 250,000 displaced in inter-ethnic violence across the south since January.According to the UN, more than 2,000 people have died and 250,000 displaced in inter-ethnic violence across the south since January.
On Sunday, the south's Agriculture Minster Samson Kwaje was wounded and five others killed when gunmen attacked his convoy as he tried to encourage the registration of voters for next year's elections.On Sunday, the south's Agriculture Minster Samson Kwaje was wounded and five others killed when gunmen attacked his convoy as he tried to encourage the registration of voters for next year's elections.
Our correspondent says those conflicts are causing growing concern that it will encourage a divisive atmosphere for the elections due in April and a referendum on independence for the south in 2011.Our correspondent says those conflicts are causing growing concern that it will encourage a divisive atmosphere for the elections due in April and a referendum on independence for the south in 2011.
The region is also struggling to cope with the impact of food shortages following poor rains combined with the inability of many to plant crops due to the insecurity.The region is also struggling to cope with the impact of food shortages following poor rains combined with the inability of many to plant crops due to the insecurity.