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Violent clashes break out in South Sudan
South Sudan, officially recognised by the United Nations as country number 193 after declaring its independence, has for several weeks been suffering violent clashes between rival ethnic groups. At least 6,000 members of the Lou Nuer ethnic group attacked Pibor, home of the Murle, who launched violent reprisals. The UN has reported that ethnic violence has already caused the displacement of around 120,000 people. The organisation deployed an enormous emergency operation to get food to those affected. The exact death toll is still unclear, and unverified estimates talk of more than 3,000 dead. The government of South Sudan has promised to open an investigation and bring those responsible to justice. It has already deployed a contingent of 3,000 troops in the area to act as a "buffer zone" between the rival ethnic groups.