JUBA, South Sudan, July 30, 2024. Confidential sources close to the Ministry of Finance and Planning revealed that last week, Hon. Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater ordered immediate payment of salaries for all civil servants and organized forces. Despite this directive, no funds have been deposited into the bank accounts of civil servants or the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
After signing the necessary cheques and transfer orders, Malual Tap Dieu, the 1st Undersecretary of Finance and Planning, allegedly embezzled the salary funds. By Monday, July 29, 2024, Dieu is said to have diverted billions of South Sudanese pounds to fake companies linked to him and his associates, leaving the Ministry unable to pay salaries.
Reports indicate that on Monday last week, Dieu, in collaboration with cashiers at the Ministry, withdrew $2.5 million from the salary account. The funds were transported to the Ministry of Finance premises at 8:30 p.m. by a team led by Mr. Gum Majur, Director of Treasury Operations. Upon arrival, the team discovered the cash lockers’ keys had been changed. Dieu allegedly ordered the immediate disbursement of the money to his cronies, which led to a confrontation with the Chief Cashier and Controller of Accounts, who initially refused to comply. The funds were eventually distributed after a heated dispute.
Following these events, on Tuesday morning, Dieu reportedly issued suspension letters to the Chief Cashier and Controller of Accounts. He then sought medical treatment for severe hypertension at Nile King Specialist.
This scandal has left the Ministry of Finance and Planning in disarray, with civil servants and organized forces awaiting their overdue salaries.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
