Upper Nile state deputy governor Awiir Dau Agany dismissed as “lies” reports that opposition fighters captured Malakal last week, describing the security situation as stable in the town.
This denial came after rumors circulated in Juba that Malakal had fell to the rebels and that the he was missing.
Dau told Radio Tamazuj Friday that the security situation is clam. He pointed out that he held a press conference in his office in Malakal.
“I am now talking to you at the General Secretariat office in Malakal and all the employees are working normally,” he said.
He said that government forces are still maintaining their defensive positions around Malakal town and that nobody can take it from the government.
However, the official claimed that rebels attacked their position at Doleib Hill south of Malakal on 21 August, but were repulsed by government forces stationed in the area.
Awiir said four SPLA soldiers were injured in those skirmishes.
For breaking news updates from Radio Tamazuj ‘like’ our page on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to our RSS feed.