53 die in Sudan attack on renegade general

A renegade commander in South Sudan's army said yesterday that government troops had clashed with soldiers loyal to him, leaving 53 dead and ending hopes of a negotiated end to his mini-revolt.

General George Athor and a small contingent of troops rebelled in protest at the outcome of elections in April in which General Athor stood. He was defeated by a candidate belonging to the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) of the South Sudan President Salva Kiir. General Athor said Mr Kiir's forces attacked yesterday. The general said most of the dead were government troops.