Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Agenzia Fides) - "There is instability and a large part of the population live in extremely precarious conditions", says Sister Elena Balatti, contacted by Fides Agency in Malakal, capital of Upper Nile State, which has been at the center of fighting between government troops of South Sudan and the rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar (see Fides 03/03/2014). The city that before the Civil War was inhabited by 250,000 people remains a military objective, recalls the Comboni missionary. Despite the ceasefire agreements, the situation remains very tense in the Country, and in these conditions, even the media are affected, as evidenced by, inter alia, the story of the diocesan radio station in Juba (see Fides 18/08/2014).
Sister Elena reports the last episode of the war, which happened near the city: "On August 21, at 8:30 am, we heard the roar of the bombing from the front. Like most of the inhabitants of the city, also us Comboni Sisters left the city in 10 minutes, waiting to see the outcome of the battle. We already experienced the ferocity of opposition militias. Malakal saw as many as six attacks within a few months".
Among other things, the radio of the diocese, "Sout to Mahaba" (Voice of Charity), of which Sister Helen is responsible paid the expenses.
Sister Elena emotional tells us the damage suffered to what was once the second largest city in South Sudan: "The south of Malakal is the most damaged. In that area there were no brick houses but huts. Now that we are in the rainy season, the vegetation has taken over the huts now destroyed to the point that you can no longer make out the landmarks that existed before the destruction of the area". "People have started to come back but remain cautious.
In the evening the city empties, people cross the Nile to visit the surrounding villages, or go back to the UN refugee camp which is located 4 km from Malakal", says the nun. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/09/2014)
