Traders in Malakal’s main market in Upper Nile State have resumed normal operations after tensions disrupted the flow of goods, leading to increased prices of basic commodities.
On 30 May, four individuals from the Shilluk tribe were killed in the Boud area of Fashoda District by criminals. The following day, a driver from the State Secretariat was killed in retaliation. The incident escalated tribal tensions among different ethnic groups in Malakal town.
During an interview with Radio Tamazuj, Achol Nyang, a vegetable seller in the town’s main market, reported that conditions returned to normal shortly after the incidents, especially after the government asserted its authority.
“The market is now normal and we are carrying out our daily activities to provide for our children,” she said.
Achol urged citizens to cooperate with the government to maintain stability in the state.
Another Malakal trader, Abubakar Ahmed, confirmed that the situation is now calm and normal.
“The only issue we are facing is the rise in the prices of consumer goods, especially corn, and we call on the government to address the high prices in the market,” he stated.
For his part, Evangelist Charles James, the Director of the Sesame Cash Exchange Agency, confirmed that normalcy had returned and stability had been restored in the market.
“The government should continue to maintain control over the situation within the state and citizens should cooperate with the authorities to stabilize Malakal’s economic situation,” he urged.