South Sudan’s finance ministry blames ‘self-proclaimed’ veterans for violent protest

JUBA – South Sudan’s finance ministry blamed a violent protest at its headquarters on Wednesday on “self-proclaimed wounded heroes” demanding payment for medical benefits and denied having a dedicated budget for such claims funded by foreign donors.

The ministry said in a statement that a group of veterans stormed the building, resulting in injuries to both veterans and police officers.

It emphasized that no live ammunition was used, attributing the injuries to clashes involving stones, sticks, and crutches.

“This unfortunate incident occurred after a group of self-proclaimed ‘wounded heroes’ forcefully entered the ministry’s premises, demanding payment for their medical benefits,” the statement said.

The ministry clarified that while the government supports veterans’ medical benefits, it is not done through a dedicated budget at the finance ministry.

Instead, funds are managed by the defense and veterans’ affairs ministry.

“Regrettably, today’s gathering escalated into an altercation, resulting in injuries among both our veterans and security personnel,” the statement said.

“These injuries were the result of physical clashes involving stones, sticks, and crutches – no live bullets injuries.”

It added that the ministry has disbursed $3 million to the defense ministry since November 2023 to address veterans’ needs.

The finance ministry urged the public, especially its employees, to return to work as usual, assuring them of their safety within the compound.

It concluded by expressing regret for the inconvenience caused and its commitment to resolving the veterans’ concerns “in a manner that honors their service to our nation.”