Over 200 Dead After Boat Capsizes In South Sudan

The residents were fleeing from Malakal town after receiving reports that former Vice President Dr Riek Machar troops were about to attack the town.

South Sudan State Information Minister Philip Jiben confirmed the incident saying that the boat capsized with about 255 people on board.

Only two children were rescued, according to the minister.

According to the minister, the reports of an alleged imminent attack were false.

He also denied reports that parts of the town had fallen on the hands of the rebel forces.

He described the situation in Malakal as “calm”.

South Sudan has been in war since mid-December last year when President Salva Kiir accused his former Vice President of plotting a coup.

Machar has continued to deny the allegations.

Peace talks between the government and rebels in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa have not borne fruits as yet.

By Diana Kariuki