JUBA, Sudan – Two rebel groups clashed with southern Sudan’s military ahead of the region’s historic independence referendum, leaving at least nine dead. A top security chief said Saturday he suspected the groups were trying to depress voter turnout in some areas, though most analysts expect a peaceful vote.

Separate clashes in the disputed border region of Abyei were also reported, but officials from the south and north gave widely varying accounts of the fighting, ranging from one wounded to nine dead.

Additional Photos

South Sudanese police newly recruited to provide security ride on a truck to a polling station in Juba on Saturday. The Associated Press

The weeklong referendum begins today and is likely to see Africa’s largest country split in two. In order for the referendum to pass, a simple majority must vote for independence and 60 percent of the 3.9 million registered voters must cast ballots.

Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir, who met with U.S. Sen. John Kerry on Saturday, addressed southern voters at a news conference.

“I urge you all to make your decision in a peaceful manner as we end the longest journey,” Kiir said. “From our side as the government of southern Sudan, we promise you an atmosphere of calm and guaranteed security.”

Kerry, who is one of several high-profile American observers in southern Sudan for the vote, said the stability of northern Sudan is also critical: “It’s not only a moment of self determination for the south, if they decide to do that, it’s also the renewal of the nation in the north. . . . That’s our hope; whether it happens or not is up to its own leaders.”

The attacks against the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army happened late Friday and Saturday in an area bordering northern Sudan.

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