Upper Nile State authorities say fighting is continuing in the southern part of Malakal town.

Yesterday, rebel spokesperson Lul Ruai Kong told the press in Addis Ababa that forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar had taken control of Malakal town but the SPLA has denied this.

Upper Nile Minister of Information told Eye Radio this morning that fighting was continuing between government forces and Dr. Machar’s in some parts of Malakal town.

Philip Jebeni said government forces are still trying to repulse soldiers loyal to Dr. Machar from within the town.

“There was an attack from three different sides; that is from the northern part, the way to the airport, and then from the southern and central parts of the town,” he explained.

“But the rebels were repulsed and driven away from the airport and the center of the town.

“Currently, the army is still fighting in the town center because some of the rebels are still there. So the situation is under control, as I am speaking to you now from Lel.”

Mr. Jebeni denied reports that the government had lost the whole town and the oil fields to rebels.

“This is not true. I am now speaking from Lel, and between us and Malakal town is the river, but the fighting is to the south of Malakal. The army is now pressuring them outside the town.”

Forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar and the SPLA have also been engaged in fighting in Bor and Bentiu over the last few days.