New Attacks in Jonglei State Pose Destabilizing Threat to

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 001076 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL PINS SU SUBJECT: New Attacks in Jonglei State Pose Destabilizing Threat to Peace in Southern Sudan ¶1. (U) Summary: Attacks by Luo Nuer on a Dinka village in Duk Padiet county in Jonglei on September 20 have raised new concerns over the destabilizing effects of militia activity in Jonglei state and overall security in southern Sudan. While local authorities attempted to negotiate an agreement with the armed Lou Nuer youth up until the evening of September 19, their efforts failed. The attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 72 civilians and security forces, and many more injured as of September 22. The UN, along with GOSS representatives, undertook an assessment in Jonglei on September 21 to address immediate security and humanitarian issues. The UN has agreed to airlift SPLA troops into the region to ensure security. End Summary. New Attack in Jonglei Leaves 72 Dead -------------- ¶2. (SBU) During the September 22 UN Security Management Team (SMT) meeting, the UN confirmed that 72 people were killed in a September 20 attack by Lou Nuer on Dinka Hol tribe in Duk Padiet, Jonglei State, but that numbers may increase in coming days. The UN, along with Minister of Interior Gier Chuang Aluong and Jonglei Governor General Koul Manyang Juuk, made an assessment of Duk Padiet village on September 21. The attack took place after the deputy governor's attempt to stop the attack through talks with the leader of the armed Lou Nuer youth--a former member of an Other Armed Group (OAG) and disaffected ex-SPLA--broke down on the evening of September 19. The deputy governor had been in talks with the youth since September 14, and had informed the UN that an agreement was close to conclusion, hence the failure of the UN to intervene, reported David Gressly, UN Regional Coordinator. Attack on Duk Padiet -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Initial reports claim that anywhere from 1,000 to 4,700 Lou Nuer armed youth attacked Duk Padiet at 11:30am on September 20 and seized the village for just over an hour and a half. The youth came from three Jonglei counties: Akobo West, Nyirol and Uror. Initial reports claim that the armed youth were dressed in military uniforms armed with G-3 rifles and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs); however, Gressly could not confirm this information. Speculation on the cause of the attack continues, as it was the second of its kind by Lou-Nuer on a Dinka Hol tribe, and there were no cattle in the area. �0A; ¶4. (SBU) Just before reaching Duk Padiet, the armed Lou Nuer youth split into three groups, one attacking the administrative headquarters straight on, the other two groups flanking the area. The joint UN/GOSS assessment confirmed that the attack appears to have directly targeted the GOSS organized security forces-including SPLA, police and prison security-- which is very different from pervious inter-ethnic attacks. The attackers were repelled after they ran out of ammunition and the SPLA, police and armed civilians counterattacked and drove the Lou Nuer out of the area. Humanitarian Repercussions -------------- ¶5. (U) During the attack, thousands of people fled, 260 tukuls were burned down and the World Food Program (WFP) warehouse was ransacked, but very little stolen. The assessment team reports that most women and children had already fled south-west before the attack, although their present location cannot be confirmed. As of September 22, Duk Padiet is currently at UN Security Level 4 for another 48 hours when it will be reviewed again and possibly lowered to Level 3. UN/GOSS Response -------------- ¶6. (U) In response to the attacks, the SPLA is sending reinforcements to the area. The assessment team reports that the SPLA is in control of the county, and that the attackers have retreated, but it is unclear whether they are regrouping and planning a new attack. UNMIS is using helicopters to evacuate the wounded out of the area to Juba for medical assistance. UNMIS is also airlifting SPLA troops into Duk Padiet to reinforce the government's presence. Jonglei Stabilization Plan and Peace Process -------------- ¶7. (SBU) The UN and local government authorities continue to work towards stabilizing the situation among fighting tribes in the Jonglei area. The Jonglei Governor's office plans to hold an inter-tribal reconciliation conference in early October with Dinka, Murle and Lou Nuer groups. Similarly, UNDP and UNMIS Civil Affairs continue to facilitate peace conferences for fighting tribes in Jonglei. Lastly, UNDP and Jonglei state held a workshop with UN KHARTOUM 00001076 002 OF 002 agencies, GOSS representatives and USAID on the Sudan Recovery Fund Phase 3 plan in Bor, Jonglei on Septembeb 12-13. The meetings focused on setting priorities for use of $15-17 million of donor funds to promote peace and stability programs in the area. Participants concluded that roads and radio projects are the top two priorities. ¶8. (SBU) Comment: The recent attacks in Duk Padiet are of concern due to the changing nature of the attacks. The latter have shifted from traditional cattle raiding to more targeted attacks on GOSS security forces, with the apparent aim of provoking further violence. Moreover, Jonglei peace initiatives are useless without follow-up on agreements reached between groups, sustained UN presence to protect civilians and a clear chain of command within the GOSS on responsibility for civilian welfare and protection. Lastly, the SPLA's reliance on UN logistical support to undertake internal security raises concerns about the GOSS' security ccapacity. It may also potentially impact perceptions of UN neutrality. End comment. WHITEHEAD