SPLM statement on JIUs incident in Juba

Dec 16, 2006 (JUBA) — The SPLM regards ‘totally unacceptable’ the incident that occurred in Juba on Friday, 15 December. It was triggered by the delay on the Government of National Unity (GONU) to pay salaries and 9-month arrears to the Joint Units (JIUs) in southern Sudan.

The SPLA component of the JIUs claimed to have sought redress for their grievances with the JIUs Command to no avail. So, a group of JIUs soldiers decided to move from their barracks to the centre of Juba; and positioned themselves around the mausoleum of our late Chairman, Dr John Garang de Mabior. They said their aim was to present a complaint to the Commander –in-Chief (C-in-C) of the SPLA in a peaceful manner. But they started shooting in the air.

Even though no causalities were sustained, the shooting in the air caused great panic among our civilian population in the town.

The SPLM views this situation as a misplaced anger by this JIUs group of soldiers towards the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS). The GOSS is innocent. The responsibility for paying JIUs, as per the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA, squarely rests with the GONU through the Ministry of Finances and Joint Defence Board (JDB).

The President of the GOSS and C-in-C of the SPLA called an emergency meeting that drew members of the Council of Ministers, Security Committee of Southern Sudan and the SPLA Command. The meeting made a number of resolutions to address the situation, including the imposition of dusk-to-dawn curfew in Juba intended to prevent other militia allied to Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) from exploiting the incident and causing insecurity.

The JIUs rank-and-file are required and highly disciplined. After all, they represent the cream of both armies – SPLA and SAF – and constitute the nucleus for the future army of the Sudan, should the people of Southern Sudan and Abyei Area vote for unity. They are to protect peace and the CPA, and should not be causing panic to the civilian population whatsoever the case.

Within the past 24 hours, we have observed some quarters who are attempting to exploit the incident, and to portray the GOSS as incapable of governing and maintaining security in Southern Sudan. Those are the enemies of peace and the people of Southern Sudan. And their evil wishes will go to thin air. The situation is now calm. The JIUs group of soldiers he returned to barracks.

The SPLM calls on the GONU to live up to its obligations under the CPA by expediting the payment of salaries and arrears of both SPLA and SAF soldiers in the JIUs. Providing conducive atmosphere for them and improving their conditions to enable them fulfill their mandate.

The SPLM reiterates its commitment to build and protect the hard won peace by ensuring the implementation of all provisions of the CPA, especially the Protocol of Security Arrangement.

SPLM General Secretariat

Juba

Saturday 16 December 2006