Fighting breaks out in South Sudan army barracks

JUBA — Five soldiers died when heavy fighting broke out in the main military barracks in war-torn South Sudan’s capital Juba on Wednesday, underscoring serious tensions within the national army as it battles a rebel uprising.

Fierce gunfire lasting two hours was heard coming from the main barracks near Juba University, home to the presidential guards and other elite troops, from 9:30am (0630 GMT).

The government played down the violence as resulting from a “misunderstanding” over pay. Army spokesman Malak Ayuen told AFP five soldiers had been killed and that those found responsible would face a court martial.

“It’s unfortunate that this morning fighting ensued among the commandos themselves over salary,” he said.

“What happened was a misunderstanding among the commandos and it ended in their unit.”

However, the UN mission in South Sudan voiced concern in a statement at “a number of shooting incidents which occurred in the capital, Juba”.

The fighting at the barracks was not far from UN offices.

The UN mission spoke of other reports of shootings in Juba, including around the university and the World Food Programme warehouse.

According to independent Tamazuj radio, the fighting at the barracks started after soldiers argued with a military pay committee. Other local media carried unconfirmed reports that the fighting broke out between guards loyal to President Salva Kiir and a commando unit under top general Gatwech Gai.

The US embassy in Juba issued a statement advising people to stay indoors as hundreds of terrified residents flooded the main church in Juba, fearing a major outbreak of violence.

“When the fighting started we immediately ran to the church for protection,” said Annet Sitima, a local woman.

The conflict in South Sudan started in the capital Juba under similar circumstances nearly three months ago amid tensions within the ruling party between President Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar.

The December 15 clashes, which spilt the army along ethnic lines, quickly spread across the country.