Tension looms after clashes in Sudan’s Upper Nile

Aug 18, 2006 (NAIROBI) — Tensions are high in parts of Upper Nile State in southern Sudan following a fight between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and militias loyal to Maj-Gen Gabriel Gatwech Chan, popularly known as Tanginya.

For the last two days it has been insecure for people to move between Tonga town and Old Fangak, due to the clashes. In its security report for August, Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) in Malakal has warned agencies working in the area to be on the alert. However, OLS stressed that the security situation in Malakal town is calm.

According to Sudan Radio Service (SRS) in the area, Tanginya’s militias attacked Old Fangak on the morning of August 12th, wounding four civilians. He also said that the militias looted a compound belonging to the NGO Christian Mission Aid, taking with them the agency’s communication radio.

The group abducted a local administrator in Boma trading centre, John Kangach Gatduop, together with two other civilians.

A member of the Upper Nile Legislative Assembly told SRS by phone from Malakal town that SPLA soldiers retaliated by attacking Tanginya’s forces in Diel and Dor in the Shilluk kingdom, killing 4 of the militia. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the legislator added that the militias also looted cattle.

(SRS)