The spokesman of the Upper Nile State government in South Sudan says the security situation has returned to normal these days in Malakal town following fighting in late April.

Last month, a fight between soldiers within Malakal developed into serious clashes involving bodyguards of Governor Simon Kun Puoc and allied militia against forces under the ex-militia commander Johnson Olony.

Acting Upper Nile State Minister of Information Minister Gatluak Liphoth told Radio Tamazuj the situation is now calm.

He said some citizens and government officials had returned back to the town, while others remain outside Malakal town.

Gatluak pointed out that Olony’s forces are stationed on western river side with their military equipment.

However, he said a mediation committee is still negotiating between the SPLA and the SPLA Major General Johnson Olony. The official expressed optimism about the ongoing mediation, saying the outcome will definitely be positive.

Gatluak Liphoth previously questioned the loyalty of Major-General Johnson Olony to the army (SPLA). “If General Olony didn’t rebel, why doesn’t he go to the SPLA headquarters in Juba to explain what had triggered the fight with tanks and artilleries in the town?” he told Radio Tamazuj.