The office of the President has admitted that the capital of Upper Nile State, Malakal is under the control of the forces loyal to the former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Addressing a press conference in Juba yesterday, the Press Secretary to the office of the President Ateny Wek Ateny, said government forces have made what he calls a “tactical withdrawal” from Malakal:
“As all of you are aware that the day before yesterday the rebels launched attack on Malakal and as a result, our forces withdrew from Malakal tactically southern part of the town, they are about four kilometers away. I know the most difficult situation in this is that the rebels attacked Malakal in clear violation to cessation of hostilities, yet the President of the Republic General Salva Kiir Mayardit as he wants to see peace in this country…the government is still willing to negotiate peace with the rebels”, said the Presidential Spokesperson, Ateny Wek.
Mr. Wek blamed the international community of not condemning Machar’s forces of alleged atrocities they are committing in Malakal:
“As you see Malakal falling under the rebels, there are atrocities that are taking place as we speak and the international community is just keeping silent on them, as the rebels have found themselves to maim and kill with impunity”, he said.
Forces loyal to Machar captured Malakal town from government forces on Wednesday following two-days of fighting that forced civilians to flee the town.