Freedom to Corruption: South Sudan’s Multimillion-Dollar Scandal

Corruption Group from Systemic Violence and System Transformation

Author: Asha Noor and Asaka Ishiguro

Deng Alor Kuol

Deng Alor Kuol, ex cabinet affairs minister of South Sudan is facing an ongoing trial for stealing funds from the government. His co-conspirator Kosti Manibe, ex finance minister is also facing a trial by a committee specializing in corruption.

On February 9^th 2013, $7,959,400 was inconspicuously stolen from the government of South Sudan.

Gaddhaffy Athorbei is the receiver of the 8 million dollar transfer. He is the owner of Daffy Investment Group a Kenyan based company involved in the scandal. The money was sent to Kenya by way of Barclays bank in Nairobi, Kenya. Both ex officials have been suspended after the accusations were made in June.

Despite the international communities continued support of South Sudan, it still faces high levels of corruption. Corruption is evident in all forms in this young country, but most predominately embezzlement.  In its most rudimentary form, embezzlement is “fraudulent taking of personal property by someone to whom it was entrusted”(Cornell Law).

President Salva Kiir spearheaded the investigation committee formed June 18th 2013, which is responsible for uncovering the money transfer. President Kiir is originally from Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), which is presiding party in the Government. The Republic of South Sudan was established in 2011 as the world’s newest country with more than 200 tribes.  It is still struggling with the challenge of forming a new legitimate system.

President Kiir is breaking down on corruption, and according to Transparency International there has been over 75 officials suspected of corruption since the formation of South Sudan. Kiir formed a committee to investigate the unlawful transactions, which is led by South Sudan Anti-corruption Commission (SSAC).

With the formation of the South Sudan Anti-corruption Commission there is promise for this new nation. With its oil rich land, and abundant natural resources this could be a recipe for disaster and embezzlement, or development. After years of civil war and strife, only recently achieving freedom, we hope for the latter.

Works Cited

Deng, George G. "Country Report." Government of Southern Sudan. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Embezzlement." LII. Cornell Law, n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2013.

"Graft: S Sudan Ex-ministers Face Trial." News 24. N.p., 05 Sept. 2013. Web.

Sudan Tribune. "South Sudan Ex-Minister Deng Alor to Face Court Over U.S.$8 Million Deal." All Africa. N.p., 05 Sept. 2013. Web.