Security forces move to secure Lakes area as President declares state of emergency

A three-month state of emergency is taking hold in the Lakes area giving security forces authority to conduct disarmament and prevent further clashes.

The Presidential order was announced on state television last evening covering the three states of Gok, Western and Eastern Lakes.

It comes after days of intercommunal clashes between youth of the Ruop and Pakam clans in Malek County, Western Lakes that have claimed at least 170 lives.

Presidential press secretary, Ateny Wek Ateny explains that the emergency measures will enable the army conduct disarmament and identify sources of gun supply.