South Sudan finance minister debunks claims he stole $15 million

JUBA – The office of South Sudan’s newly-appointed finance minister Dier Tong Ngor has denied allegations of involvement in a money laundering scheme in which it is alleged that he stole at least $15 million in public funds.

A statement issued by the office manager of the finance minister on Wednesday denied allegations that the finance minister is under investigation by security authorities on the charges of embezzling 15 million U.S dollars.

“In this regard, we would like to inform the general public and our development partners that Hon Minister is not under any investigation whatsoever and is normally performing his official duties,” it said.

It described it as rumors meant to assassinate the character of the finance minister by enemies of progress.

“In effect, the circulating rumors are nothing but character assassination by some elements not happy with the current efforts of establishing an effective and efficient system within the overall framework of putting in place a transparent and accountable public finance management (PFM) system,” it said.

It said the news of the money laundering scheme is being circulated by elements who are against reform in the ministry of finance.

“I shall, therefore, not be deterred or intimidated in my determent quest to strengthen our PFM system and to serve our people with dignity, honesty, and integrity,” it said.

“I have taken an oath of office to work for the President of the Republic, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, to attain macroeconomic stability, economic growth, and poverty reduction.”

It urged the public to be cautious with sources of information and be vigilant of those with ulterior motives of feeding the public with misleading information to cause disruptions.