About half of the people who were displaced to the UN camp in Malakal have returned to the town, according to the Deputy Governor of Upper Nile State.

About 20,000 people were said to have taken shelter at the camp at the height of the conflict.

Awer Dau says security has improved in Malakal, prompting the people to move out of the camp.

“After the situation became calm, all the citizens decided to return and the town now is very crowded with our citizens who were in UN camps,” Mr Dau told Eye Radio.

The town was destroyed during fierce confrontations between the SPLA and Opposition forces. The deputy minister said people are struggling to rebuild their structures.

Mr Awer said residents of Malakal are able to buy essential food items in the main markets in the town.