Local authorities in Malakal town in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State are trying to encourage traders to return, emphasizing the stability of the security situation is the town, which has changed hands five times since December.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, the Malakal County Commissioner Dr. Wau Agot Deng affirmed that police and the other organized forces have been able to restore order and security in the town, claiming that approximately 20,000 local residents have recently returned back home.
He noted Malakal grand market has been reopened with about 100 traders determined to resume work, adding that goods are coming from Renk, Jalhak, Akok and Melut areas.
“The state authorities are still calling on all business owners who had escaped from Malakal to return back,” he emphasized.
“When the traders come back, the state government will definitely think how to help them ــ such that they can stand on their feet after the huge losses incurred by them during the fighting,” said the commissioner.
However, he was not specific about how the government might help, since up till now it has not been able to pay its own civil servants in the state owing to problems organizing and securing the transfer of salaries from Juba.
When asked about the security situation in neighbouring Kaka area, which was reportedly been overrun recently by the rebels, the commissioner noted the government is partially present in the area.
“Actually, the area is divided into two parts, the SPLA forces are now in control of the northern part, whereas rebels are stationed in the southern part,” he indicated.
The displaced persons who took refuge in Lelo, Detang and Wau Shilluk are in good humanitarian condition, according to official.
He also stated several organizations have been engaged in the collection and burial of dead bodies in the town. Deng predicted clearance of the area from the remains will be completed by next week.
Photo: Empty tins looted from a WFP warehouse in Malakal (UN)