The closure of South Sudanese embassies in most country in the world is not just an embarrassment for the ambassadors; it reflects poorly on all of us as a nation. This significant setback undermines our diplomatic standing, disrupts vital services, and signals that we are in a dire financial situation as a country.
Where do the substantial tax revenues, as frequently reported by Simon Akuei Deng, actually go? He recently stated that the collected funds are divided among various institutions for government operations. Could his statements be disingenuous? Are individuals in positions of power diverting funds for their personal gain?
There are no salaries for civil servants, no funding for infrastructural development, no resources for diplomatic efforts, and no budget for security. What does the economic cluster take pride in? We pose these difficult questions not out of animosity, but because, as responsible citizens, we need to understand the priorities that consume our resources when essential services are lacking. Is there a void that consumes our wealth, preventing it from positively benefiting us? The economic cluster has failed due to its ineffective leadership.
Reliable sources have claimed that the head of the economic cluster controls the funds from taxes and oil proceeds via his phone. Furthermore, the minister of finance and the governor of the Central Bank have no role in resource allocation; they must follow orders from the cluster head. What began as a mere oversight has now evolved into a significant level of control.
If this information is accurate, the country faces dire consequences. The only solution lies with the president, who must take decisive action to remove the individual that has become the biggest obstacle to the nation’s progress.
This short article is a heartfelt cry from a deprived citizen. South Sudanese citizens struggle every day to secure a single meal, while those who have amassed wealth smile down upon them, indulging in expensive wines. Their children awaken to enjoy lavish breakfasts before beginning their day. We must put an end to the thieves who are plundering resources and driving the country toward ruin.
Till then, yours truly, Mr. Teetotaler!
The writer, Dr. Sunday de John, holds MBA and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and Faculty of Medicine respectively. He is the current Chairman of the South Sudan United Front-Progressive and can be reached via drsundayalong4@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.