Authorities in Upper Nile state announced Monday they have returned to Malakal town, capital of the state, after spending nearly a year with a temporary capital first at Paloich and later Renk over insecurity.

Malakal is one of the towns badly affected by the conflict, having changed hands several times between rival forces when violent conflict erupted in 2013.

Upper Nile State Minister of Youth Peter Hoth Tuach said Monday the state government has now completed relocation to Malakal from Renk.

“The last batch of officials came on 13 December after the first batch came on 23 November, 2015. Now the government is back once again in Malakal. We shall begin operate from here.”

He added, “This is very important for our people to know we have returned to Malakal so that they do not have to go to Renk again.” Hoth disclosed also that the deputy governor was now the acting governor.

He said he expects government officials and humanitarian organisations in the state to convene a meeting this week to discuss how they could encourage the return of the displaced people and people who fled into the United Nations protection of civilians camp in town to return home.