The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) says 40 people were killed in recent clashes in Rumbek town, as authorities continue to verify casualty figures following an earlier report of 71 deaths by the national Ministry of Information.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said information he obtained from security forces and commanders on the ground indicated that 40 people had been killed, including members of the organised forces.
“It was at first reported that casualties were 71. I personally got in touch with our security forces and the commanders on the ground, and they told me the number was 40, including around 10 to 11 from the organised forces, SSPDF, and the rest,” Ruai said.
He said that casualty figures reported immediately after clashes can change as authorities establish the situation and conduct proper counting.
“Whenever there are clashes, either casualties are underreported or overreported,” he said.
Ruai explained that more accurate figures become available after those initially reported missing are accounted for and authorities complete the verification process.
“Then, when the situation is established and proper counting is done, those who went missing report back. That is when you get accurate information,” he said.
The national Ministry of Information had earlier reported 71 deaths, stating that the figure was based on preliminary security reports.
The ministry said the exact number of fatalities and injuries had yet to be verified.
Ruai said the figures could change as authorities continue verifying the number of people killed and wounded in the clashes.
Efforts to reach Lakes State Caretaker Minister of Information William Koji Kerjok for confirmation were unsuccessful on Friday morning.
The post SSPDF reports 40 deaths in Rumbek clashes, contrary to ministry’s figure of 71 first appeared on Eye Radio.