Fresh gunfire rocks South Sudanese capital

By Agencies 

Civilians seek refuge at a UN compounds in Juba following a coup attempt in South Sudan December 16, 2013. At least 26 people are feared dead. PHOTO | BBC 

Fresh gunfire has erupted overnight in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, a day after the government said it had quashed an attempted coup.

There are reports of heavy weapons being fired near a military headquarters just outside Juba.

Several thousand people have taken refuge at two United Nations compounds.

An official said Tuesday that at least 26 people had been killed in clashes between rival army factions in Juba.

"So far we have 26 dead," Under-Secretary for Health Makur Korion said on local radio.

On Monday, President Salva Kiir blamed soldiers loyal to his dismissed former deputy Riek Machar for the violence, but said the government was in control.

He said the violence first broke out on Sunday night after unidentified uniformed personnel opened fire at a meeting of the ruling party, former rebel force the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).

A night time curfew is now in place and at least four former ministers have reportedly been arrested following the alleged coup. Dr Machar's whereabouts are unclear.

President Kiir sacked Dr Machar, along with his whole cabinet, in July. The sackings are believed to have followed a power struggle.

Dr Machar, who has said he plans to contest the presidential elections in 2015, now leads a dissident faction within the SPLM.