Rumbek — Authorities in Rumbek, the capital of South Sudan's Lakes state have resumed forceful disarmament after sectional clashes erupted in its Rumbek Central County for the first time.

On January 18, Amothnhom and Panyon inter-clans clashes in the state left more than 25 people dead and about 30 who sustained gunshot wounds were admitted in Rumbek civil hospital.

Lakes state Governor Chol Tong Mayay issued order to Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and South Sudan Police Services (SSPS) to immediate launch a forceful disarmament in three counties of Rumbek Central, Cueibet and Rumbek East.

However, while Lakes state committee leaders blame on the SPLA allegedly selling firearms to pastoral youth, the army spokesman, Philip Aguer dismissed the accusation.

Recently, about 10 people died in Cueibet County, located at western part of Lakes state, when a group of heavily armed Gok Dinka youth killed seven SPLA soldiers in Malual-chum cattle camp.

Charles Badiri Mayen, Lakes state Information Minister has supported the decision taken by government on forceful disarmament.

"We must disarm all armed civilian by all cost," he said.