Thousands flee South Sudan fighting

More than 40 people died in days of fighting in a South Sudan town, the government said on Tuesday, with aid agencies warning of dire conditions for over 10 000 people sheltering at a UN base.

At least 39 civilians and four policemen were killed in the town of Wau, about 650km northwest of Juba, since violence broke out on June 24, Minister of Information Michael Makuei told reporters.

The town was reportedly calm on Tuesday after days of violence, which the army spokesperson said was caused by "anti-peace elements supported by tribal fighters".

Civil war erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, but rebel chief Riek Machar returned to the capital in April as part of a peace deal which saw him become Vice President, forging a unity government with President Salva Kiir.