UPDATE ON DDR

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001167

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/RSA MIKE BITTRICK AND AF/SPG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM MCAP SU
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON DDR



1. (SBU) There has been recent incremental movement
toward disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration
(DDR) in Southern Sudan; the process of demobilizing
child soldiers is underway in Malakal, and is scheduled
to begin in Abyei later this month. To date,
approximately 1,200 child soldiers have been demobilized,
according to UN sources. On May 3, a GoSS decree named
Arop Majok as the Commissioner for DDR, a role that he
has played in an ad hoc fashion for some time.


2. (SBU) There is widespread speculation/expectation that
a portion of the increased budget for the SPLA (septel)
might be used as a buyout for SPLA troops. No one from
the SPLA or GoSS has been able to confirm that this has
been decided.


3. (SBU) The World Bank has engaged a retired Ethiopian
general to work with the SPLA on force restructuring. He
has met with senior SPLA commanders, but no
downsizing/restructuring plan has as yet been released.

HUME