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| Wounded soldiers lie in bed at the general military hospital Juba. |
Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, is on edge as wounded soldiers from recent clashes in Ulang County arrive in the city, sparking fear among residents particularly from the Nuer community.
The fighting, which began in February, involves the White Army, a militia group largely composed of Nuer youth, and government troops.
According to Maj. Gen. Joseph Mayen Akon, the state's police commissioner, two criminal attacks have been recorded in recent days, but he denied allegations of widespread violence against Nuer civilians.
He stressed that the incidents were not ethnically targeted, but acknowledged that tribal tensions and traumatic memories of past violence in Malakal were stoking fear.
"Any reports of fighting elsewhere now trigger anxiety here," he said.
Though the market remains open and daily activities continue, the arrival of injured soldiers has created an uneasy atmosphere.
The police have increased patrols and assured the public especially Nuer residents of their protection. Nonetheless, some have sought refuge at the UN-run Protection of Civilians (PoC) site amid growing unease and the spread of misinformation on social media.
The police commissioner also reported the arrest of four suspects involved in an attempted robbery targeting Ethiopian nationals, signaling ongoing challenges in maintaining security within the city.
With fighting continuing in eastern Upper Nile, authorities believe restoring control over Nasir County currently contested by the White Army will be key to stabilizing Malakal and securing South Sudan’s border with Ethiopia.
Background: Conflict and Ethnic Tensions in Upper Nile State
Upper Nile State has long been a flashpoint in South Sudan’s complex web of conflict. Malakal, once a thriving commercial hub, has experienced repeated cycles of violence, displacement, and destruction since the country’s civil war erupted in 2013.
A key driver of instability has been the ethnic dimension of the conflict. Tensions between the Nuer and Shilluk communities and between various armed groups aligned along ethnic and political lines have shaped much of the violence. Malakal itself has changed hands multiple times during the war, and the scars of intercommunal violence remain fresh for many residents.
The White Army, historically composed of loosely organized Nuer youth militias, has been involved in several rebellions and conflicts, often mobilizing in response to perceived threats against their communities. While not a formal military force, their involvement in local and regional conflicts has complicated peace efforts, particularly in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
Recent clashes in Ulang and Nasir counties, both Nuer-majority areas, reflect broader dissatisfaction with the central government and ongoing disputes over security arrangements, land, and political representation.
These confrontations, though occurring outside of Malakal, often reignite fear and suspicion within the city, especially as wounded soldiers are brought in and rumors spread through social media.
Despite a 2018 peace agreement and the formation of a transitional government, implementation remains fragile. Persistent insecurity, lack of trust between communities, and the slow pace of unifying armed forces continue to undermine lasting peace.
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