Skip to main content
KHARTOUM - 1 Nov 2018

South Sudan's Machar suspends governor over corruption claims

South Sudan opposition leader Riek Machar gives a speech at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, October 31 2018. Photo: REUTERS/JOK SOLOMUN
South Sudan opposition leader Riek Machar gives a speech at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, October 31 2018. Photo: REUTERS/JOK SOLOMUN

South Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar has suspended a high-ranking official in his movement after he was allegedly implicated in illegal teak dealings.

Opposition governor Matata Frank Alikana was adversely mentioned in a recent investigative piece on South Sudan leaders' alleged corruption. The exposé was done by John Allan Namu's Africa Uncensored. It exposed the lavish lifestyles of South Sudan leaders funded by illegal dealings reportedly transacted through Ugandan and Kenyan banks.

The journalist posed as a Kenyan businessman interested in importing 20 trucks of teak wood from South Sudan. In the process, he captured the top rebel official on tape asking him for a bribe amounting to thousands of US dollars.

Machar has formed a committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the opposition governor of Yei River State.  He also lifted the top opposition official’s immunity to appear before the investigation committee.

Lam Paul Gabriel, the rebel SPLM-IO's deputy military spokesman, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that Machar suspended Governor Matata over alleged illegal acts in the rebel-held territory on 21 October.

He pointed out that the suspension is connected to a three-part documentary series produced by John Allan Namu of ‘Africa Uncensored’ titled ‘The Profiteers.’

“Governor Matata has been suspended pending investigation and his deputy has been assigned to work as acting governor of Yei River State,” he said.

Gabriel, who was also mentioned in the investigative piece, said the opposition leadership has not yet decided on his case.

Last month, hundreds of Kenyans and South Sudanese staged a peaceful protest in the Kenyan capital Nairobi against alleged looting of funds in war-torn South Sudan by prominent leaders.