Calm has returned to Malakal following security tensions triggered by the killing of a soldier during a shootout between police and a group allegedly smuggling goods into the city.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 9 PM when two vehicles carrying goods entered Malakal through the eastern gate of the UN mission compound, an area guarded by police.
According to eyewitnesses, police officers ordered the occupants to stop for identification, but they allegedly refused and opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
One person was killed and was later identified as a soldier who was reportedly protecting the goods being smuggled into the city.
One vehicle escaped, while the second reportedly got stuck in mud near the camp and was later found.
The incident triggered further tensions in the city, with groups reportedly attacking people along roads leading to the IDP camp and in parts of the Thawrat al-Jallaba neighborhood.
Following the burial of the deceased, some individuals reportedly entered the nearby home, and assaulted residents, and looted property, increasing fear among the population.
The state government, represented by the city mayor and security forces, intervened to contain the situation.
A reporter from Saut al Mahabba Radio visited parts of Malakal, including the markets, to assess the security situation.
A merchant, Abram, said the city and markets are now calm, indicating security has been restored.
The correspondent also spoke to residents travelling from the city to the IDP camp, who said conditions had returned to normal.
Juma, a resident of the camp, also said fears had subsided, and calm had returned.