Lawmakers deny receiving $40K in medical allowances

JUBA – The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Thursday dismissed allegations that its members have received a $40,000 medical allowance, accusing unknown individuals of threatening lawmakers over the unfounded claims.

TNLA spokesperson Oliver Mori called the allegations “baseless,” saying the last medical allowance paid to MPs was $15,000 four years ago.

He noted that this was half the entitled amount and that no further payments have been made since.

“The members are expected to receive the medical allowance yearly according to the law,” Mori told journalists during a press conference held at the parliamentary premises in Juba on Friday morning.

The parliament spokesman further disclosed that lawmakers are currently working without pay and facing deteriorating health conditions, with three lawmakers dying in the past four months due to lack of access to medical care.

“This parliament is almost losing a member every three months because they have fallen sick and cannot afford treatment,” Mori said.

The government has recently paid civil servants and security forces one month’s salary.

The TNLA has summoned the finance minister to parliament on Monday to explain the decision and the remaining salary payments.