The police have begun moving in to make some arrests in Malakal town of Upper Nile State, hoping to quell violent protests sparked by the transfer of employees.

Those arrested include military officials and politicians on Tuesday, according to Major General Chol Atem, a police commissioner in Upper Nile State.

“A constitutional post holder in the state is among those arrested, “Major General Chol told Radio Tamazuj, without providing more details.

The police officer asserted that the security situation in the town of Malakal returned to normal as security forces managed to disperse Sunday’s demonstration.

He pointed out that the dawn to dust curfew imposed in Malakal on Monday will continue for seven days, pointing out the police have launched a crackdown on those behind the protests.

“The total number of those arrested people for involvement in the protests, including military officials and politicians, is 11,” Chol said.

Separately, the police commissioner disclosed that one of the protesters died in the hospital from wounds after being shot during Sunday’s protests.

At least eight civilians were wounded during clashes between police and protesters. Two police officers also sustained injuries.

The violent protests were staged by administrative officers in Malakal municipality who refused to be transferred to the State Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency.

Eyewitnesses said police forces used live bullets to disperse the protesters.

For years, Malakal town has been largely deserted as civilians fled the civil war that broke out in December 2013. But some are returning home to rebuild their lives after the formation of the transitional government in February 2020.

Source: Radio Tamazuj