29 November 2006 — (Malakal) — A clash in Malakal yesterday between the SPLA and the militia loyal to Gabriel Gatwick, better known as “Tanginya,” left at least 13 people dead and several others injured.

The dead include four SPLA soldiers, six militiamen and three civilians.

An SPLA source told Sudan Radio Service producer Koang Pal Chang in Malakal that the fight started following the alleged shooting of two SPLA soldiers by gunmen in civilian clothes.  The source claims the gunmen were part of Mr. Gatwick’s militia.  The SPLA says it responded by attacking Mr. Gatwick’s position, forcing him and his men to take refuge in the Sudan Armed Forces barracks in another section of Malakal town.

The SPLA, under the command of Lieutenant Kwac Gak, was later reinforced by two battalions from the Doleib Hill area and says it is now in control of the town.

Sudan Armed Forces troops have been confined to their barracks, according to Lieutenant Gak.  It was not possible for Sudan Radio Service to reach Mr. Gatwick or any Sudan Armed Forces commander for their version of events.

Our producer reports he also saw UN forces evacuating UN employees and international NGO staff from Malakal.

A high-level Government of Southern Sudan delegation is expected from Juba to investigate the incident.

Before this clash, in what is perhaps a related incident, there was an alleged attack on the life of the Pangak County commissioner which resulted in a nighttime curfew for the people of Malakal.

Pangak County Commissioner Maluit Wic, who resides in Malakal, told Sudan Radio Service on Sunday that gunmen attacked his house last Friday.  He says four people from his household were injured in the attack.

He alleges that his rival for the position of commissioner, Mr. Gabriel Gatwick, popularly known as Tanginya, is behind the attack, assisted by some Sudan Armed Forces soldiers.
 
In response, Mr. Gatwick told Sudan Radio Service that he had no involvement in that attack.

He described Mr. Wic’s claim as a plan to confuse the public, saying that the commissioner is trying to take attention away from his inability to pay the salaries of county employees.  Gatwick also accused some SPLA soldiers in Jonglei state of fueling the conflicts in Pangak County.  He appealed to the President and Vice President of southern Sudan to continue dialogue with all armed groups in southern Sudan for a lasting solution.

The Government of Upper Nile has declared a night curfew for all residents in Malakal from 10 p.m. to dawn as a result of the attack on the commissioner’s house.