UN Report Exposes Systematic Looting of South Sudan’s Wealth by Ruling Elite

A new United Nations report accuses South Sudanese leaders of systematic corruption. The findings detail grand scale looting of public funds while citizens face extreme hunger.

This alleged graft occurred over several years. It involved massive off-budget spending on phantom projects.

Billions Diverted Through Phantom Road Construction Scheme

Investigators highlight a specific $2.2 billion program. The “Oil for Roads” initiative ran from 2021 to 2024.

Most funds went to companies linked to Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel. According to the UN, less than $500 million of driveable roads were actually built.

The report states contracts were severely inflated. Companies overcharged for work and built fewer lanes than promised.

This single program consumed about 60% of all government disbursements in some years. The government has firmly rejected these findings.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Public Funds Vanish

South Sudan’s average GDP per capita is now a quarter of its 2011 level. Nearly two-thirds of its 12 million people face crisis levels of hunger.

The UN links this directly to corruption. Public spending priorities ignored critical needs like healthcare and education.

For example, the 2022-2023 budget allocated more money to the Presidential Medical Unit than to the entire national public healthcare system. More than $23 billion from oil exports since independence has not addressed public needs.

The UN report presents a stark picture of South Sudan’s governance crisis. This systematic looting of South Sudan’s wealth has directly fueled a devastating humanitarian situation for its people.

Info at your fingertips

What is the main accusation in the UN report?

The UN accuses South Sudan’s ruling elite of systematic looting. They allegedly diverted billions from public coffers for private gain while the population suffered.

Which government program was specifically cited?

The “Oil for Roads” program was a major focus. It funneled an estimated $2.2 billion to companies with alleged ties to Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel for incomplete work.

How has the South Sudanese government responded?

Justice Minister Joseph Geng rejected the report’s findings. He stated the figures are inaccurate and blamed the economy on conflict and falling oil sales.

What is the current humanitarian situation?

Nearly two-thirds of the population faces crisis levels of hunger. The UN directly links this emergency to corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

Were any international sanctions mentioned?

The report notes the U.S. government sanctioned Bol Mel and several associated companies in 2017 and 2021. The sanctions accused the firms of receiving preferential treatment.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.