Record 95,000 South Sudanese seek UN protection

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations says the number of people seeking protection at U.N. peacekeeping sites in conflict-torn South Sudan has risen to a record 95,000.

Massive violence swept South Sudan in December when fighting in the world's newest nation broke out between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to his former vice-president Riek Machar. A May 9 cease-fire has been violated by both sides.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday that 30,000 people are at U.N. sites in the capital Juba, 38,000 at the base in Bentiu, 18,000 in Malakal and the rest in towns across the country.

He says the U.N. mission in South Sudan reports that new locations with better facilities for displaced people are completed or very close to completion.