Kiir’s office dismisses report implicating first family in corrupt business practices

JUBA — South Sudan government on Thursday rejected allegations made in a report by The Sentry, accusing President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his family of using their influence to control over 126 companies in key sectors of the country’s economy.

In a statement issued by the office of the president, the government described the report as “baseless and malicious” and accused The Sentry of engaging in a campaign to tarnish the reputation of the first family and destabilize the country.

“These claims are unfounded, lack credible evidence, and are clearly aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the First Family and sowing discord among the South Sudanese public,” said the statement signed by presidential press secretary.

The Sentry report, titled “Kiirdom: The Sprawling Corporate Kingdom of South Sudan’s First Family,” alleged that members of Kiir’s family have amassed significant wealth and influence in sectors such as oil, telecommunications, banking, and construction. It also accused the first family of deploying proxies and money-laundering schemes to obscure their financial interests.

Kiir’s office said the report lacked evidence to support its claims and failed to provide details of any illegal activity or misappropriation of public funds.

“The Sentry further fails to provide concrete evidence to substantiate its allegations. The report does not detail specific illegal activities, misappropriated funds, or any projects that the First Family has allegedly benefited from unfairly. It also does not indicate the monetary value of these so-called benefits or demonstrate how they were obtained through corrupt means,” Martin said.

The government also dismissed claims that the First Family’s involvement in business represented a misuse of power.

“It is imperative to emphasize that the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan does not prohibit any citizen, including members of the First Family, from engaging in legitimate business activities. Like any other citizens, they are also entitled to invest, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic development of this country. To suggest otherwise is discriminatory and unsubstantiated,” the statement said.

In the report, The Sentry alleged that companies tied to the First Family have played a role in exacerbating South Sudan’s instability.

“Since independence, rather than work toward a secure and prosperous future, the Kiir regime has orchestrated destabilization, repression, violent conflict, and mass starvation while consolidating a lucrative corporate empire. The first family has deployed an array of circumvention techniques to veil from the public their businesses and assets,” John Prendergast, co-founder of The Sentry, said.

However, the government rejected these claims, arguing that many of the companies cited in the report predate South Sudan’s independence.

“The businesses and investments attributed to the First Family are not a recent phenomenon. Many of the companies mentioned by The Sentry date back as far as 2007, long before the independence of the Republic of South Sudan. It is misleading to portray these entities as a product of undue influence or exploitation of public office,” Martin said.

The statement also noted that some of the companies named in the report are no longer operational.

“Several of the companies mentioned in the report are no longer active, for example, Gemtel telecom company linked to the First Lady has long been closed down, a fact conveniently ignored by The Sentry to bolster its narrative. The exaggerated claims about the extent of influence and control wielded by these companies are not only misleading but also an affront to the many hardworking South Sudanese who operate businesses with integrity,” the statement said.

The government called on The Sentry to disclose its funding sources, accusing the organization of working with political motives rather than genuine concern for accountability.

“We call upon The Sentry to disclose its sources of funding and its sponsors’ motivations, which clearly seem to be rooted in political interference rather than a genuine concern for accountability or human rights,” Martin said.

The statement urged media outlets and international actors to approach such reports with fairness and objectivity.

“Reports like The Sentry’s, which lack thoroughness and objectivity, undermine efforts to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation,” the statement said.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and economic development.

“Rest assured, His Excellency, the President, remains committed to transparency, development, and the well-being of all South Sudanese citizens. Baseless allegations will not deter his resolve to serve the people of South Sudan and uphold the principles of fairness, equality, and justice,” the statement concluded.