The government of Upper Nile State aims to investigate the damage caused to markets in Malakal, South Sudan’s second biggest city, caused by looting and burning during combat in late December.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, a state official also appealed for traders to return to the still partially deserted city and anticipated that they may be eligible for compensation for the ‘huge’ losses incurred in the recent events.
Malakal witnessed several days of continuous fighting at the end of last month between SPLA and SPLA defectors as well as other organized forces. The combat in the city resulted in mass displacement, looting, and many civilian casualties.
Adviser for Rural Development in Upper Nile State, Chol Nyawella Akuei, noted that as a result of the conflict in Malakal markets and shops were burnt to ashes, so the citizens who return still suffer acute shortages of food and services.
An assessment committee has been formed by the governor to assess the damage caused by the recent violent conflict. “I know that some Sudanese traders and shopkeepers who were driven by conflict from the town have travelled to Sudan,” Akuei noted.
“They need to come back – such losses incurred by them during the conflict can be compensated after scrutinizing their licences and the amount of damage caused as well as the goods looted from their shops,” he emphasized.
“The losses and the damages are very huge in the town particularly the market. I can’t estimate it without thorough investigation,” concluded the adviser.
Akuei says the security situation now is relatively calm and stable, but that some people are still sheltering at the UNMISS base due to rumours that rebels could come back to attack the town.
But he noted that a large number of people who were driven from their homes during the conflict have now retuned back. He said the state government is ceaselessly working to put an end to the suffering of people in the town.
According to Akuei, the governor of the state has issued directives to distribute grains in the warehouses in the state to the citizens.
Photo: Malakal market in the aftermath of looting, 31 December 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)