South Sudan’s government and a group of 32 hotel operators have reached an out-of-court settlement, ending a legal dispute over more than $60 million in unpaid bills for housing government-affiliated guests.
The hotels had sued the National Transitional Committee (NTC), chaired by presidential adviser Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, for failing to pay for accommodation and food services.
The case was pending before the East African Court of Justice for several years.
The hotel operators were represented by Pan African Law Chambers LLP, a law firm with a track record in high-stakes regional litigation.
The settlement, obtained by Radio Tamazuj Monday, resolves years of uncertainty and avoids further litigation. The Justice Ministry, representing the government, and the hotel operators, led by World Focus International Hotel, agreed to terms in a legally binding deal.
Tesfay Abraham, CEO of Radas Hotel Hai Neem and a representative of the Hotels Association of South Sudan, called the agreement “amicable and forward-looking.” He said it reinforces investor confidence in the country’s legal system.
Joseph Chol Akot, CEO of Referendum Hotel, praised the resolution as a “historic moment” for businesses. He credited the government for acting in good faith and thanked legal counsel Wani Santino Jada of Pan African Law Chambers LLP for his role in negotiations.
Gabriel Mabior Chiping, secretary-general of the Hotel and Catering Association of South Sudan, said the deal reflects constructive cooperation between the government and private sector.
The Justice Ministry did not disclose the financial terms of the settlement reached last month with the hotels but said the agreement demonstrates South Sudan’s commitment too fair business practices.