South Sudan’s government forces were embroiled in a fight against armed groups on Saturday around a town in the northwest of South Sudan, forcing thousands to flee, the United Nations said.
The clashes around Wau, northwest of the capital Juba, are the latest flare-up in the nation which was entangled in conflict for more than two years before a peace deal was signed between President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar, now the country’s first Vice President.
The world’s youngest nation descended into war in December 2013 after President Kiir accused Machar, his then deputy, of plotting a coup against his government.
Machar refuted the claims but went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.
The latest fighting was between forces of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army and armed groups, according to a statement by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon which was issued to condemn the clashes and to call for talks.
It was not clear who the armed groups were. There was no immediate comment from the government.
