Cablegate: Unpaid Spla Troops Riot in Juba

VZCZCXRO6206
OO RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #2847 3491100
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 151100Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5567
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 0047
RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002847

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV MOPS ELAB ASEC SOCI SU
SUBJECT: UNPAID SPLA TROOPS RIOT IN JUBA

1. (U) Approximately 100 armed Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA)
troops marched from Gumbo to the Garang Memorial in Juba on the
morning of December 15, demanding payment for back wages. Some 80
soldiers then surrounded the Legislative Assembly building and fired
several shots in the air. One group of soldiers appeared ready to
negotiate with the Government, according to Consulate General Juba,
while another seemed less inclined. No injuries have been
reported.

2. (U) Government of Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir, who was
inside the Legislative Assembly at the time, addressed the
protesters over the radio. An SPLM spokesman also appealed to the
public to remain calm, and military vehicles have been seen circling
around town. No shots have been fired since approximately 11:00 am
local time.

3. (U) The protesters are believed to be ex-South Sudan Defense
Force (SSDF) troops who recently entered Joint Integrated Units with
the SPLA. According to reports, the soldiers have not been paid in
four months.

3. (SBU) All USG personnel in Juba have been accounted for, and are
safe. Embassy RSO has instructed one USAID officer and his driver
currently at the UN compound to hold, until it is safe to return to
the Consulate compound; all other USG personnel are already at the
Consulate compound. The UNDSS has given similar instructions to all
UN staff.

HUME

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