The South Sudan Council of Ministers on Friday passed the Anti-Money Laundering Bill 2024 and sanctioned its transmittal to Parliament for passage.

Addressing reporters in Juba after the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said: “The Bill titled Anti-Money Laundering and Counterterrorism Financing Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2024, was presented by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Justice Ruben Madol Arol. “

Makuei explained that the Bill aims to fight terrorism and fight those who finance terrorism. He further said after deliberations, the Bill was passed and will be presented to Parliament for consideration. 

“Money laundering is not rampant (in South Sudan), but we are taking the necessary protective measures; we are part of this world, and if we are part of this world, then definitely there could be people who are operating here businesses in South Sudan, and they are doing the same,” he said.

Makuei said the Justice Minister also presented the Vehicle Load Control Bill 2024, which regulates the loading of vehicles. He pointed out that South Sudan has been facing a lot of problems in terms of loading vehicles in the absence of the Bill.

Separately, Minister Makuei said the cabinet listened to a presentation from the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Josephine Joseph Lagu, on the revitalization of the South Sudan Food Security Council. Makuei said President Kiir had issued a presidential order for the establishment of a Food Security Council in 2008, but this was not operationalized.

 “South Sudan Food Security Council is a body that is supposed to make reserves. It is supposed to buy food from the farmers and preserve them for unforeseen situations. This is not there now, but with the establishment of this council, we will encourage the people of South Sudan to produce more food,” he said.