In the latest of a series of violent clashes between ethnic groups in South Sudan, at least 185 people - mostly women and children - were killed on Sunday outside of Akobo. In the midst of a severe food shortage, members of the Lou Nuer tribe were on a fishing expedition when they were attacked by heavily-armed men of the Murle ethnic group.

Exacerbated by intense competition over land and resources, as well as an ample supply of arms, attacks and counter-attacks have already claimed over 700 lives in southern Sudan this year.

Meanwhile, the Darfur rebel group Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) has clashed with Sudanese forces in the oil-producing region of Southern Kordofan, which neighbors Darfur. The fighting confirms growing concern that JEM will move into Kordofan, igniting new violence against civilians in areas already disputed between the north and south.