Fighting between a suspected extremist group and Nigerian military has claimed the lives of at least 140 villagers in northeast Nigeria.

The official death toll in public unrest since the New Year is now at 18 after four civilians were killed on Monday in clashes with police.

An intense flare-up of tribal clashes in southern Sudan has killed about 900 people and could threaten upcoming elections.

KZN safety minister Bheki Cele denied provoking an attack between IFP and ANC supporters in Nongoma last weekend, his spokesperson said on Friday.

As political intolerance flares in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the general election, the IFP on Monday blamed police for the attacks in Nongoma.

Fighting erupted on the Thai-Cambodia border on Wednesday, causing casualties on both sides, military officials said.