Fierce Fight Erupts Over Corruption In The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Recent reports suggest that an intense fight is raging between the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Deng Dau Deng, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Mayen Dut Wol concerning administrative changes aimed at eliminating corruption within the Ministry.

Allegedly, corruption has been systemic in the Ministry, especially within the Department of Finance under the direct leadership of Undersecretary Ambassador Mayen Dut Wol. Diplomats have lost salaries, rents, and experienced financial claims recycling; all of which are the result of the corrupt practices of the Department of Finance.

The proposed reshuffle to the Department of Finance is aimed at replacing the Director of Finance, Controller of Accounts, Cashiers, and other junior staff involved in corrupt practices.

However, the reshuffle has met with profound discontent from Undersecretary Mayen Dut, who has been alleged to head the corruption ring at the Ministry. It is reported that Ambassador Mayen Dut is resisting these changes since his loyalists will be affected by the reshuffle.

The issue has therefore caused a significant rift within the Ministry, with growing frustration among diplomats over the inability to resolve the corruption issue.

Currently, salaries and rental arrears of the Diplomatic Missions have surpassed the $150 Million mark. The Ministry of Finance has been paying these arrears in installments, but the figure keeps shooting up because of the corruption practices perpetuated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Ambassador Mayen Dut Wol has traveled to consult with spiritual advisors/witch doctors based in Wau to sabotage the directives issued by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.

It remains to be seen how the government will resolve this ongoing issue that calls for the credibility of an important government institution into question.