Upper Nile State authorities have refuted recent social media claims that residents of Malakal are fleeing their homes to seek refuge in Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites.
In an official statement on his official Facebook page, the state governor’s press secretary, Kim Jock Bol, declared that the reports are “entirely false and misleading,” insisting that the town remains safe, peaceful, and secure.
“The situation in Malakal is stable, and there is no cause for concern,” the statement read, urging the public to ignore “unfounded reports and propaganda.”
However the official statement from Upper Nile State comes amid escalating security tensions in the region.
According to local officials in neighboring Jonglei State, a prominent Nuerspiritual leader and commander of White Army militias, Makuach Tut, has advanced with his forces toward PigiCounty, sparking fears of a potential attack on Malakal.
James Chuol Jiek, the Commissioner of Ayod County, confirmed that Makuach and his forces had moved from Mogogvillage to Chuilbong in Pagil Payam, positioning them closer to Pigi County and the Nile River, which separates them from Malakal.
The White Army, a militia largely composed of Nuer youth, has been fighting alongside the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in parts of the Upper Nile region.
Commissioner Chuol reported that efforts to engage Makuach in peace talks have failed, stating, “The spiritual leader is not ready for talks. Instead, he moved closer to Pigi, which indicates he is preparing for conflict.”
The commissioner added that Makuach is demanding the release of First Vice President Riek Machar and the SPLA-IO Chief of General Staff Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam as a condition to halt his advance.
Machar and several of his allies have been under house arrest in Juba since late March, with the national government accusing him of fueling violence in the region.
Meanwhile Upper Nile State Governor Lt. Gen. James KoangChuol had previously warned against renewed fighting and called on Jonglei authorities for assistance in de-escalating the situation.
While Jonglei officials confirmed ongoing efforts to promote peace through dialogue, they denied recent rumors that their governor had met with Makuach, clarifying that online videos of such a meeting were taken months ago.