(Part 2)
By Santino Riak Maker
Corruption allegations have become increasingly common in South Sudan in recent years, with government officials facing accusations of exploiting their positions for personal gain. Michael Makuei Lueth, a well-known government figure, is among those who have been implicated in the misappropriation of public funds through a series of dubious contracts given to businesses controlled by his relatives.
Among the companies that have repeatedly received these profitable government contracts is Geners Limited, led by CEO Mach Deng Daniel, who is coincidentally the brother-in-law of Makuei.
It is quite intriguing that the company’s name itself raises doubts about the familial connections involved. In Roman and Civil law, the term “Gener” signifies “son-in-law,” while its plural form, “Geners,” refers to “sons-in-law.” The name “Geners Limited,” or “Sons-in-law Limited,” strongly implies a direct association between the company and Makuei’s family. This further strengthens the suspicion that these contracts were granted based on family ties rather than merit or fair competition.
Geners Limited received an astonishing $3,689,735 in 2020 to build a wall at the Telecommunications Premises in Gumbo. The awarding of this contract without competitive bidding, as shown by the documents in our possession, has raised concerns about misappropriation of funds and nepotism, given its inflated nature.
Likewise, on March 10, 2023, Geners Limited secured another contract to provide Cleaning and Maintenance Services at Telecom House in Gumbo. The contract, worth $8,179,200, was intended to last for a duration of six years. The exorbitant price associated with these services has prompted further inquiries into the transparency and equity of the bidding process. Moreover, the same company received a contract worth $75,905 to supply office furnishings for the minister.
Geners Limited is not the sole company that is profiting from these fatty familial contracts. Target Media Group, led by Abraham Agany Mading, has managed to secure multiple contracts, one of them being a lucrative $3,100,000 contract for Digital Satellite Television (DStv) Services. Regardless of receiving payments, the services have not been delivered. Despite making additional payments of $1,000,000 in July 2023 and $696,788 in January 2024, the expected services remain unavailable.
All these are only a tip of the iceberg, given the length of stay in the government since 2005, Makuei has never ceased being involved in controversies and scandals that include enormous transactions amounting to multiple millions of foreign bills. He has effected administrative corruption including costly decision on telecommunication operators such the Vivacell network.
Tearz Ayuen, who is Makuei’s self-styled political advisor and a relative, consistently defends these outrageously expensive contracts, even though Makuei has a long history of corruption. In my view, Tearz is nothing more than a pawn in this situation despite his self-proclaimed importance.
Being a school dropout, he struggles to comprehend complex state matters. With this limitation, still, he confidently defends Makuei’s actions, including his involvement in corrupt practices. Tearz’s actions reveal a shift in focus from providing credible insights or adding value to the national matters, as he now seems more concerned with safeguarding the interests of his relative and keeping corruption hidden from public view.
Aside from financial mismanagement, Makuei’s actions have been criticized due to his alliances with rebel leaders such as Gen. Paul Malong, Mathem Ayuel, and Pagan Amum, who openly aim to overthrow the government. By appearing at Malong’s Nyari residence, dining, and giving speeches under the pretense of peace, Makuei casts doubt on his own credibility.
The widespread scrutiny arises from the peculiar situation of Makuei being able to interact with rebel leader Malong, who seeks regime change, without any harm. I am skeptical about Makuei’s allegiances. I doubt about his true motives and loyalty to the government.
Throughout the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) negotiations, notable figures like Sudanese Vice President Ustaz Ali Osman Mohammed Taha avoided private meetings in personal residences with their opponents, including Dr. John Garang. Makuei’s association with rebels to the extent of visiting their luxurious homes challenges his integrity and political conduct and add to suspicions of alleged unhealthy collusion.
It is crucial for authorities to conduct comprehensive investigations into the awarding of these contracts in light of these revelations to ensure accountability for any misappropriation of public funds. The authorities too should investigate the motives of Makuei’s visit to rebels’ residences. He
was overheard discussing matters pertaining succession politics, a bad wish to the President.
To be continued in part 3
The Writer is a former Editor in Chief of Independent Daily Newspaper based in Juba and reachable via:+211927020700
