In response to the persistent tension following renewed inter-communal violence, local authorities in the capital of Upper Nile State, Malakal, said they have taken steps to enhance security throughout the town. A night curfew has been imposed, and public gatherings have been prohibited.
These measures come in the wake of violent clashes that erupted in the Malakal Protection of Civilian Site (POC) on Wednesday, extending through Thursday and resulting in the unfortunate loss of nearly 20 lives. The clashes involving rival community members also led to extensive vandalism within the POC, exacerbating the existing tensions.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Francis Nyang Awuok, the acting mayor of Malakal, reassured the public that the situation has now calmed down due to the reinforced security measures. He disclosed that a meeting was held with representatives from the Chollo and Nuer communities, who expressed their commitment to de-escalating the tension.
Awuok further elaborated, “To prevent the violence from spreading from the POC to the town, which has witnessed a significant outflux of people from the camp, we have implemented a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am and banned all forms of social gatherings.”
Luk Sadhalla Deng, the information minister for the state, affirmed that calm had been restored in Malakal. He stated, “The situation was very challenging, but as of today, it is under control. The government has strengthened security, and Malakal town is now returning to normalcy.”
Maj. Gen. Chol Atem Jongeth, the state police commissioner, also confirmed the restoration of security and emphasized that an investigation into the incident is underway.
“Based on our observations as the police, this incident, which stemmed from a stabbing on June 7, is an extension of the clashes that occurred within the POC on May 26, resulting in a fatality. Although tension was high, we managed to regain control of the situation. We are currently investigating the incident,” he clarified.
Gen. Chol called upon the residents of Malakal to remain calm and urged the handover of the Malakal POC to the government. He stated, “We appeal to the residents of Malakal to embrace peaceful coexistence and maintain their composure. Additionally, the Malakal POC should be transformed into an IDP camp, as has been done in other towns, to enable the government to assume responsibility for security. This will facilitate effective protection for our people.”