South Sudan soldiers die in clashes over delayed salaries

Five soldiers have died in a shooting incident over delayed salaries in the main military barracks in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

South Sudan army spokesperson Malak Ayuen told reporters that the fighting erupted on Wednesday after soldiers argued over delayed salaries with a military pay committee.

According to reports, clashes erupted in the same barracks where fighting between rival army units sparked off a wider conflict in South Sudan in December last year.

“It is unfortunate that this morning fighting ensued among the commandos themselves over salary,” Ayuen said, adding that what happened was a “misunderstanding” among the commandos.

The South Sudanese military official said the situation at the base in Juba is now under control and that those found responsible will be tried by court-martial.

Terrified residents ran to the main church in the capital, fearing a major outbreak of violence in the city.

Unconfirmed reports say the fighting broke out between guards loyal to President Salva Kiir, and a commando unit commanded by General Gatwech Gai, who had been placed under arrest.

Thousands of people have been killed and nearly 900,000 others displaced in South Sudan due to more than three months of clashes between government troops and rebel forces loyal to the former vice president, Riek Machar.

The conflict between the South Sudanese army and defectors has taken on an ethnic dimension that has pitted the president’s tribe against Machar’s.

The international community has repeatedly called on both sides to respect a ceasefire that was signed on January 23.