TEMPO.CO, Juba - At least 200 Sudan civilians died after their ferry sunk in the waters of the White Nile River. They died while trying to save themselves from the battle raging in their city, Malakal.
"The casualty report we received is between 200 to 300 people, including women and children. The ship was overloaded," said Military spokesperson Philip Aguer, yesterday.
Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile, has become the location of battle between the government and rebel forces, which continue to launch attacks to take over the city. This city has undergone two regime changes since the civil war broke on December 15, 2013.
Fighting also erupted in the area of Rajaf, south of Juba. Military forces reported that a fierce battle is currently ongoing in the southern part of Bor, the second largest city after Juba, which is still under the command of rebel forces. Aguer however denied the claims made by rebel forces that they have overtaken Mongalla Harbor located between Bor and Juba.
The battle involves South Sudan President Salva Kiir, loyalists and loyalists of former Vice President Riek Machar. Kiir accused Machar of wanting to overthrow him last December. The accusation was denied by Machar who then responded with force.
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