The SPLA says five soldiers died after gunfire erupted at Geida this morning.

The shootout, which erupted at 9 o’clock after a misunderstanding over salary payment, ensued between soldiers and a salary committee.

SPLA Director General of the Media Brigadier General Malaak Ayuen Ajok was addressing reporters this afternoon.

“So, what happened is soldiers were actually coming to inquire when they’re going to receive their salaries and they were told: ‘Wait, there is a system set up for every unit to receive’. I think during the discussion there was a misunderstanding between the soldiers themselves and this led to limited shooting among themselves. So, the shooting actually was in a very limited area even within the barracks. According to our sources, we know very well about five comrades, actually martyrs [were killed] and about two or three injured. That’s what happened today”.

The incident disrupted daily activities, with shops closed and public transport partially disrupted as major roads were barricaded by the army.

The Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, urged people to remain calm, saying the situation is under control.

“What happened in the Army General Headquarters is nothing but a normal thing that happens in any military area and any military garrison. It is something to do with their administration and something to do with their pay. It has nothing to do with all that people have in mind. So, all this is in order to inform the public. That was a mere military situation that created itself there and then within the army and it has nothing to do with the rebellion and it has nothing to do with the military coup or whatever. But we are to assure our people that there is nothing, people should not panic and everybody should resume his or her normal duties as usual because there is nothing”, he said.

The Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth