A number of senior officials have been detained in Aweil, the capital of Northern Bahr al Ghazal State, possibly because of their role in a recent controversy over missing funds. 

The detainees include Secretary-General of Government Garang Kuot Kuot, and Director-General of the Ministry of Finance Sabrino Majok Majok, besides at least one other official working at the state finance ministry.

Sources suggest the men might be accused of corruption involving missing teachers' salaries, or charged with making allegations against the governor in relation to the same.

A week ago Governor Paul Malong returned to Aweil after spending two months away from the state. During a speech in Freedom Square, he dismissed allegations made in the online daily Sudan Tribune that he pocketed about 2 million South Sudanese pounds. 

Malong said his office will form a committee to investigate how the salaries went missing. He told the crowd he would take an oath saying he did not take the money.

Officials in Aweil declined to be interviewed about the recent development.

Related coverage:

NBG minister says teachers’ salaries to be paid (10 Feb.)

File photo: Secretary-General of the Government of Northern Bahr al Ghazal State Garang Kuot Kuot (Gurtong)