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