47 Killed in Sudan Inter-Ethnic Clashes

At least 47 people have lost their lives and several others injured in attacks between the Dinka and Mundari groups in southern Sudan.

This attack among the many inter-ethnic clashes among rival groups threatening to interfere with Sudan's first multi-party elections due in April.

The attack was triggered when the Mundari ethnic group attacked two villages belonging to the Dinka people resulting in a counter attack by the Dinka.

Reports released by the UN indicate that at least 2,000 people have died and 250,000 displaced in inter-ethnic violence across the south since January.

The Minister for Agriculture, Samson Kwaje was injured on Sunday when gunmen attacked his convoy as he encouraged voters to register for next year's elections. Five people lost their lives in this attack.

Last week on Thursday clashes involving the Dinka and the Shilluk tribes halted the voter registration process. Leaving at least 11 people dead and wounded several others.

However International efforts and crisis talks are currently underway to ensure that plans for the elections remain on course. [CK]