JUBA - 17 Apr 2015

Khartoum company linked to South Sudan tractor deal

A company based in Sudan acted as middleman between South Sudan's government and the manufacturer of 1000 tractors imported recently to South Sudan, according to a company official.

President Salva Kiir 'donated' the tractors to the Ministry of Agriculture at a handover ceremony held at the SPLA Bilpam Headquarters yesterday.

An official of the Sudanese company Cardinal Group was present at the occasion.

Ahmed Suleiman, Director General of Cardinal Group, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that they provided 1000 tractors to the South Sudanese government. But he refused to reveal the total contract price.

As to the manufacturer, it has not yet been identified by name. Speakers at the handover event held yesterday at the national army headquarters said the tractors were brought from Russia, though the word 'Belarus' is printed on at least some of the tractors.

Presidential Spokesman Ateny Wek provided different information, telling Radio Tamazuj this morning, “The tractors were made from one of the European countries and from Holland in particular.”