UNPAID SPLA TROOPS RIOT IN JUBA

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