Security forces, UNMISS avert major conflict in Malakal town  

June 6, 2024 (JUBA)- Security forces in South Sudan and the United Nations mission in the country (UNMISS) have combined efforts to defuse tension and avert any major escalation of violence in the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal.

Last week, clashes broke out between two ethnic groups, causing loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of vulnerable people in Malakal town.

Majority of those affected were the elderly people, women and children.

The UN, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the calm situation remains fragile.

The mission, said it will continue supporting efforts to protect civilians and maintain calm through intensive patrols and engagement with affected communities.

The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom lauded the swift and ongoing responses by state authorities and security forces to reduce tensions and keep communities safe.

“We appreciate the coordination and close partnerships with national, state, and local authorities which played an important role in ensuring that further escalations in violence do not take place and that people can resume their daily activities safely,” he said.

Haysom, also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in South Sudan emphasized that the mission is working closely with government partners and has proactively deployed peacekeepers in and around the UN protection of civilians site in Malakal to ensure the safety of the internally displaced people.

The Police Commissioner, Major General Chol Atem said there was no reason to cause alarm after the situation had been defused and averted a major conflict.

“People with vested interests wanted to use and exploit the situation but our forces, all of them in their designations, army, police, and national security were fully aware and coalesced efforts with our partners. The United Nations mission in South Sudan provided unprecedented support:  logistics, information and facilitated peaceful engagements to avert major escalation”, he explained.

According to Atem, the violent conflict started outside Malakal on May 30, but escalated after relatives of those killed in a village outside Malakal reacted.

The incident resulted in loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacements.

Upper Nile State governor, James Odhok Oyai also commended the organized forces and UNMISS for restoring calm in Malakal ahead of a rally that had been organized by the country’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

“The situation has returned to normal and the town is now safe.  There is nothing to worry about again. Businesses have resumed. Markets are open. People are coming out, returning to their homes and going about their normal activities”, he said.

The governor warned those spreading rumours on social media to halt the act, stressing that dialogue is important in resolving feuds among conflicting parties.

(ST)