Soldiers and rebels clashed yesterday in South Sudan’s capital Juba as the country was celebrating its independence from Sudan 5 years ago. At least 150 people died during the clashes that broke out between militias tied to a former rebel group and soldiers on Friday night. More than 90 bodies were brought to public hospitals across Juba, and the Tamazuj radio announced the death toll as 109.

Roman Nyari, spokesperson for the opposition groups, stated that more than 150 people died during the clashes that broke out two days ago.

The clashes had begun when President Salva Kiir was meeting his deputy Riek Machar. Kiir and Machar invited everyone to be ‘calm’ during the statement they made last night.

South Sudan had won its independence on July 9, 2011 after a struggle of more than 20 years. Tens of thousands of people had died during the clashes that broke out at the end of 20133, when Salva Kiir accused of Machar and other opposition leaders of planning a coup against him. After living abroad for 2 and a half years, Riek Machar had recently returned to his country after reaching a deal with South Sudanese officials.