Summary
United Nations investigators have accused South Sudanese leaders of stealing billions of dollars from public funds while the nation faces a severe food crisis. The UN report highlights corruption in government programs, such as the oil-for-roads initiative, and notes that political infighting is worsening the country's problems. The South Sudanese government has denied the allegations of corruption in the report.
Key Facts
- UN investigators claim South Sudanese authorities have taken billions from public funds.
- Since independence in 2011, several schemes allegedly diverted money from South Sudan's revenue.
- A report pointed to a problematic oil-for-roads program with $1.7 billion unaccounted for.
- The country faces a severe food crisis, affecting 76 out of 79 counties.
- South Sudan's government rejects the UN's claims, calling them damaging to its image.
- Rivalry between President Salva Kiir and suspended Vice President Riek Machar continues.
- Political tensions could reignite civil war; a past conflict killed around 400,000 people.
- A 2018 peace deal helped form a unity government, but tensions resurfaced earlier this year.
