South Sudan will dispatch its army to the disputed Abyei region.

Following ethnic skirmishes that killed more than 40 people, South Sudan says it is sending its army to the disputed oil-rich Abyei region on the Sudanese border.

The administration has accused UN forces in the region of failing to safeguard residents who have been displaced as a result of the recent violence.

The deployment has the potential to rekindle tensions with Sudan over the disputed territory.

The ethnic battles are between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya Arab communities, who have crossed the border from Sudan in search of pasture.

Thousands of individuals have been relocated due to long-running disagreements between the two groups.

Following a 2005 peace agreement, a referendum on Abyei's status was intended to be held, however, the vote never happened.

South Sudan is now dealing with an increase in inter-communal warfare in various sections of the country.

Armed factions have clashed in the northern Unity State, which borders Abyei, over cattle.

In the latest round of combat, which began in late February, approximately 30 people were slain in Leer county on Monday.

Analysts say the fighting is jeopardizing the fragile peace agreement in the world's youngest country.