South Sudan’s military and local authorities have reported conflicting death tolls following deadly clashes in Rumbek, raising fresh questions about the full scale of the violence in Lakes State.

On October 15, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) said its reports indicated approximately 40 people had been killed in fighting that erupted on October 9. Rumbek Central County officials reported 46 deaths, while the national government had earlier announced a preliminary figure of 71.

Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said the figures could change as authorities continued accounting for those killed, injured or missing. The military also reported deploying additional troops and establishing a buffer zone between rival groups.

The violence involved armed youths from the Pakam and Nyang communities. Local officials reported that the clashes spread into residential neighbourhoods, forcing residents to flee and disrupting businesses.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said its peacekeepers helped protect civilians, Rumbek State Hospital and humanitarian facilities. In a separate October 13 update, the mission reported that approximately 500 families had been temporarily displaced during the violence.

Although relative calm has returned, the final casualty count remains unresolved. Authorities face continued pressure to establish the verified toll, protect displaced residents and prevent further retaliatory attacks.

The latest developments underline the need for sustained security measures and community dialogue to address the tensions behind the violence.