South Sudan Denounces Claims of Kiir Family’s Business Empire as Malicious

South Sudan has rejected claims by The Sentry that President Salva Kiir’s family controls a vast network of businesses vital to the economy. The government denounced these allegations as unfounded, emphasizing the legality of business for all citizens. This report highlights ongoing corruption issues in the country, exacerbated by delays in political elections and significant financial mismanagement.

On Thursday, South Sudan firmly dismissed allegations from a United States-based watchdog, The Sentry, claiming that President Salva Kiir’s family had established a significant corporate network within the nation’s struggling economy. The Sentry’s report indicated the existence of 126 companies connected to the Kiir family across various sectors, such as banking, mining, and trade, raising concerns over potential corrupt practices in a country plagued by financial mismanagement. The government’s response characterized these claims as unfounded and intended to disrupt national unity, emphasizing that South Sudan’s laws allow all citizens, including relatives of the president, to engage in lawful business activities. Furthermore, while the report detailed several family members as shareholders in these enterprises, it noted that President Kiir’s name was not associated with any of the corporate documents presented.

Additionally, South Sudan’s transitional constitution, established after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, prohibits the president and other state officials from participating in commercial ventures during their tenure. The Sentry, co-founded by actor George Clooney, focuses on investigating corruption and financial crimes, highlighting South Sudan’s significant challenges amid widespread corruption as reported by Transparency International. With the delay of upcoming elections now pushed to late 2026, the UN has linked the stalled political transition to pervasive corruption and misuse of public funds.

South Sudan, one of the poorest countries globally, has been grappling with severe economic difficulties and rampant corruption since its independence in 2011. A report from The Sentry revealed connections between President Salva Kiir’s family and numerous businesses at the center of economic activities, including sectors critical to national productivity. Transparency International ranks South Sudan poorly on the corruption perceptions index, illustrating the pervasive issues of accountability within its political and economic systems. With the current political landscape so dire, calls for transparency and reform are more pressing than ever, yet accusations of wrongdoing are met with vigorous denials from the government, highlighting the ongoing struggle between governance and accountability.

In conclusion, South Sudan has categorically refuted allegations of its president’s family profiting from a vast corporate network, framing such claims as part of a malicious campaign aimed at destabilizing the nation. The response underscores the delicate balance between political authority and business involvement in the country’s governance. As South Sudan navigates its many challenges, including high levels of corruption and a prolonged political transition, such allegations further complicate the pursuit of accountability and reform within its economic framework.

Original Source: www.france24.com