Corruption is a hurdle in the path of economic development and social prosperity in South Sudan
Corruption
By Emmanuel Malual Makuach, Juba, South Sudan
Saturday, 22 June 2024 (PW) — As the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan faces a myriad of challenges in its quest for stability and growth. Among these, one insidious force threatens to undermine the very foundations of the country’s future: corruption. At the heart of this crisis lies the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, an institution meant to be the steward of the nation’s financial well-being, but now finds itself embroiled in a web of bribery, fraud, and mismanagement.
The halls of the Ministry of Finance echo with whispers of illicit deals and clandestine arrangements. Staff members, once trusted with the nation’s economic future, now stand accused of orchestrating a system where contracts are awarded not on merit, but on the size of the bribe offered. As one insider revealed, “Majority of the ministry staff has been in the spotlight over corruption when it comes to contract awards, with aims of getting bribed to get their money in the ministry.”
This pervasive culture of corruption has cast a long shadow over the ministry, eroding public trust and crippling the government’s ability to allocate resources effectively. The consequences are far-reaching, as noted by a local economist: “Unease has been growing among citizens as reports of staff engaging in corrupt practices, particularly in the allocation of contracts, continue to surface.”
Since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 and throughout the post-independence era, corruption allegations have swirled around South Sudan’s corridors of power. Yet, despite public outcry and presidential declarations, justice remains elusive. A frustrated civil society activist pointed out, “Since 2005 CPA era and post 2011 independence era, no one has been arrested and prosecuted over corruption allegations in the country.”
President Kiir’s dramatic revelation of 75 top government officials implicated in corruption has yielded no arrests, no prosecutions, and no accountability. This lack of action has only served to embolden those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the nation.
The tentacles of corruption reach far and wide, touching even the most ambitious of national projects. The Bahr el Ghazal Highway, once a symbol of progress and unity, now stands as a monument to greed. Under the stewardship of former minister Hon Mayiik Ayii, millions of dollars earmarked for construction vanished into thin air, leaving behind broken promises and unfinished roads.
Dr. Bol Mel, a controversial tycoon, has become the poster child for South Sudan’s corruption woes. His rise to prominence has raised eyebrows and questions. As one government watchdog noted, “The political and corruption narrative of controversial tycoon Dr. Bol Mel, who is taking most of the construction contracts in the country and beyond, is deeply troubling. Most contracts pass through the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of South Sudan, awarded after some percentage goes to directors of accounts and undersecretaries in the Ministry of Finance.”
The impact of this widespread corruption is felt acutely by the citizens of South Sudan. While a select few enjoy lavish lifestyles, buying expensive homes and indulging in extravagant weddings, the majority of the population struggles with poverty and economic hardship.
A veteran freedom fighter, speaking on condition of anonymity, laments, “During our time, we were called to fight. After independence, few of us were chosen to eat, especially elites from Warrap and Leer of Unity State.” This sentiment echoes throughout the nation, as citizens watch their country’s wealth being siphoned away by a small, politically connected elite.
Another freedom fighter, Gatkuoth, expressed his anger more pointedly: “The two leaders with their family and friends are the ones leading in corruption since independence from Sudan. The 2% of oil revenue from Unity State is not given to citizens but given to the ruling class.”
As South Sudan teeters on the brink of economic collapse, the need for decisive action has never been more urgent. The government, under the leadership of President Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar, must establish an independent committee to investigate the allegations of corruption within the Ministry of Finance.
A local anti-corruption advocate emphasizes, “The time has come for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the alleged acts of bribery and fraud within the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions, and swift and decisive action must be taken to restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption.”
The fight against corruption in South Sudan is not just about punishing wrongdoers; it’s about securing the future of a nation. Every dollar lost to corruption is a dollar stolen from the development of infrastructure like The Bahr el Ghazal Highway, the improvement of healthcare, and the education of the next generation.
As South Sudan approaches its 13th year of independence, the time for change is now. The country stands at a crossroads – one path leads to continued corruption and economic stagnation, while the other offers the promise of transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all.
A civil society leader summed up the sentiment of many: “The citizens of South Sudan deserve a transparent and accountable government, free from the scourge of corruption, and it is the duty of those in positions of authority to ensure that the country’s financial resources are managed with integrity and for the benefit of all.”
Only by heeding these calls for change and taking concrete action against corruption can South Sudan hope to break free from its shackles and truly realize the promise of independence for which so many fought and died.
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