South Sudan’s government said soldiers were among 71 people killed in violent clashes on Friday in the central town of Rumbek.

Witnesses told AFP a group of young people from outside Rumbek had attempted to take control of the town and even succeeded briefly.

After police and military reinforcements arrived, the attackers withdrew, and two witnesses said the fighting had moved to outside the city limits.

"Armed civilians engaged in violent clashes in the city of Rumbek ... on Friday, October 9, around 4 am. resulting in significant loss of life," the South Sudanese interim ministry of information said in a statement.

Head of state Salva Kiir had dissolved the government ahead of elections in December leaving an interim administration.

"According to initial security reports, at least 71 people were reportedly killed," including four soldiers, the ministry added.

‘Situation under control’

The statement noted the deployment of additional security forces to Rumbek, saying that they now "have the situation under control."

Four armed civilians were arrested, the statement revealed.

The caretaker government strongly condemned the violence and urged all communities to refrain from violent acts, exercise restraint and remain calm.

The statement added troops would seek to ensure civilians' safety.