The memorandum sent by Obama Friday to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the `` furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Republic of South Sudan will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace . '' Some 60,000 people in the state are in urgent need of assistance , the United Nations says . They fled their homes last week to escape thousands of armed fighters from another tribe . A senior U.N. official is visiting a town attacked by the fighters to assess the situation . Ethnic tension flares as tribes fight over grazing rights and water rights .
Some 60,000 people in the state are in urgent need of assistance , the United Nations says . They fled their homes last week to escape thousands of armed fighters from another tribe . A senior U.N. official is visiting a town attacked by the fighters to assess the situation . Ethnic tension flares as tribes fight over grazing rights and water rights .