( CNN ) -- The U.N. on Monday called for reconciliation in the newly-established Republic of South Sudan after fighting reportedly left at least 600 dead and at least 26,000 cattle stolen . The Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General , Hilde F. Johnson urged restraint Monday after fighting between the Murle and Lou Nuer communities in Jonglei State , killed at least 600 and left more than 750 wounded . Clashes broke out early Thursday morning and lasted through the day , South Sudan authorities reported . The U.N. on Friday dispatched an assessment and verification team to two of the conflict areas . The team found 28 casualties at one site and 30 at another along with a number of huts burned to the ground , said Aleem Siddique , spokesman for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan . The violence occurred when members of the Murle tribe attacked villages of the Lou Nuer , Siddique said . Though the violence had largely stopped , reconciliation efforts were needed to maintain the peace , he said . `` Peaceful dialogue is the primary means for reconciliation , and the tribal leaders need to sit down and work out their differences . '' Between January and the end of June 2011 , nearly 2,400 people had died in 330 clashes across South Sudan , according to a July U.N. report . Most of these casualties resulted from cattle rustling incidents in Jonglei State 's Pibor County . Cattle rustling is a main source of insecurity in South Sudan as cows represent wealth and social status , and are used as `` blood money '' or compensation and payment of dowries . According to a 2009 report by the International Crisis Group , `` Sticks and spears have historically been used to carry out rustling and the violent disputes it often causes . However , the proliferation of small arms ... changed the nature of this practice , making raiding far more deadly . ''
Violence in South Sudan reportedly left at least 600 dead , at least 750 wounded . Also at least 26,000 cattle stolen . 200 people died in 330 clashes across South Sudan , in first 6 months of 2014 . Most of the clashes are over cattle rustling incidents .