20110510
reuters

JUBA, Sudan (Reuters) - More than 80 rebels and civilians were killed when insurgents attacked a cattle camp in south Sudan, the army said on Tuesday, in the latest violence to mar preparations for the region's independence.

People from Sudan's oil-producing south overwhelmingly voted to secede in a referendum in January, promised in a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war with the north.

Celebrations over the independence vote have been marred by a wave of tribal violence and clashes between the south's army and renegade militias.

Analysts warn that the underdeveloped south, roughly the size of France, could become a failed state and destabilise the whole region if security deteriorates further.

Leaders from the south, where most follow Christian and traditional beliefs, have accused Khartoum of backing the rebels to disrupt the region and keep control of its oil.

The mostly Muslim north has dismissed this as have many of the militias who say they are rebelling against what they say is an autocratic government in the south.

Rebel militia fighters attacked a cattle camp in the south's Warrap state on Sunday, southern army (SPLA) spokesman Philip Aguer told Reuters.

"We (the SPLA) forced this militia out of Unity state on the 6th and 7th (of May). They crossed into Warrap state and attacked a cattle camp and killed 34 civilians and wounded 45."