The capital of Unity state after witnessing clashes over the last two days was calm this morning. The situation remained tense, however, with more fighting anticipated as control over the area remains in question.

State Security Advisor John Malok, reached by satellite phone, says that government troops are in Rubkona while the rebels are in a place called Al Makhazen south of Bantiu.

He declined to confirm that the rebels control Bentiu, as was claimed yesterday after government troops were seen withdrawing from the town.

Although there was no fighting in the city this morning, troop movements are reported around Bentiu, signaling the possibility of more imminent violence. 

The Office of the President yesterday issued a statement explaining why they launched an attack on the town just two days after agreeing to talks on implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.  

The statement claimed the SPLA entered Bentiu “after rebels deserted their positions,” justifying the attack as “a bid to defend and protect the civil population.”

“The President appeals to the civil population to remain calm as the government continues to stabilize the security situation in the country… H.E. the President of the Republic firmly believes that the only path to peace and stability is through dialogue,” reads the statement.

Photo: A BBC film crew at the UNMISS base in Bentiu yesterday captured images of SPLA fighters moving near the base