JUBA CITY, Aug. 22, 2024 — The Transitional National Legislative Assembly’s (TNLA) Committee of Trade and Industry has demanded that prominent businessman Ayii Duang Ayii appear before Parliament to address allegations surrounding $193,248,955.90 owed to his company, South Sudan Supreme Airlines, by the Government of South Sudan. The committee warned that Duang, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of South Sudan Supreme Airlines, could face legal action if he continues to ignore the summons.
Earlier this week, the committee called on Duang to clarify the relationship between South Sudan Supreme Airlines and Noble Enterprise Ltd., a Kenyan company reportedly involved in the matter. Duang failed to attend the scheduled hearing on Tuesday.
Committee chairperson Mayen Deng Alier stated that lawmakers are seeking comprehensive details on all contracts awarded to South Sudan Supreme Airlines by the government since 2013, including the total amounts involved. Despite being summoned twice, Duang has not complied.
“In this case, we have written to Ayii [Duang] twice and he has refused. So, we have the right to name him for contempt,” said Deng. “The next step is to compel him to come, and if not, we can escalate the matter to the minister of justice.”
Deng emphasized that the committee is acting under Article 131 of the House’s Conduct of Business Regulations, which grants them the authority to summon any individual, whether holding public office or not, to provide evidence and documentation.
Duang, who has threatened to sue Parliament over the summons, confirmed he is seeking over $190 million from the government for contracts executed during the 2013 conflict. He claimed the government utilized his company’s resources without his solicitation during the war.
“I did not ask for the contract. It is the government that used my planes, fuel, and food during the hard times [2013 conflict],” Duang stated during a press conference late Tuesday. He also accused the committee of damaging his company’s reputation and hinted at legal action to counter the summons.
