Developments
• Upper Nile state
In Malakal the security situation remained tense and unpredictable. Conflicting declarations were made by government and anti-government representatives, with each camp claiming to have full control of the town.
A security assessment team observed many dead bodies on the streets, as well as armed youth (estimated to be around 7000) chanting in a celebratory mood. An SPLA commander who had defected provided assurances to the security team that his troops would ensure the safety of civilians and UN personnel. He indicated it would not be safe for aircraft to fly over the next two days.
There was heavy looting of UN warehouses. The extent of the looting of UNHCR warehouse is yet to be ascertained. It was confirmed that the two UNHCR boats were stolen along with those of many other UN and NGOs that were parked at the WFP warehouse. The entire WFP warehouse next to the river bank was also looted.
UN staff have been cautioned that armed youth could be excitable. Moreover there is concern that the Logbase in Malakal is likely to be in the line of fire of fighting forces due to its proximity to the airport and key roads leading out of town.