麻豆社

South Sudan says it is sending its army to the disputed oil-rich Abyei region, along the border with Sudan, following the latest ethnic clashes that have killed more than 40 people. A United Nations peacekeeping force (Unisfa) has long been established in the area but the South Sudanese government claims Unisfa is failing to protect civilians.

The deployment of troops was approved by the cabinet following the rising insecurity and violence, and South Sudan army spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, says they will be going in "on the basis to stop the ongoing bloodshed."

Photo: 2016 image of UN peacekeeping troops on patrol at night in Abyei. Credit: Getty Images.