President Salva Kiir has tasked presidential guards to protect one of his key business partners, Benjamin Bol Mel, according to sources in Juba. The total cost to the government is unknown.

Bol is Kiir's partner in a construction and agriculture enterprise, ABMC. The government has awarded multi-million dollar contracts to ABMC for roads construction in Juba. Bol also serves as head of South Sudan's chamber of commerce, an organization representing the private sector.

Radio Tamazuj is informed that a presidential security detail headed by a senior SPLA officer seconded as a presidential protection officer is tasked with Bol's security. The detail has been accompanying the AMBC company official since several years ago at an unknown cost to the government.

The security officers are on the government payroll.

A colleague of Bol at the chamber of commerce confirmed Bol has a presidential guard escort. He observed that Bol does not go regularly to the office but when he does go to the office or to a public event, the security personnel ensure that they arrive at least one hour before he arrives at the venue.

Another source familiar with Bol's business confirmed that he is normally accompanied by a presidential security detail, explaining that he is considered a very important person in Juba. “There is no political reason whatsoever. It is just for protection,” he said.

A third source, a Juba resident, recalled surprise at seeing how many vehicles and bodyguards accompany Bol when he travels. 

The sources did not indicate that there was any specific threat to Benjamin Bol Mel.

File photo: Benjamin Bol Mel

This report is published as part of a special investigative series. Anyone wanting to comment on this report or send further information should contact Radio Tamazuj here.