South Sudan’s government has denied a report from US-based watchdog The Sentry, which accused President Salva Kiir’s family of controlling a vast business empire.
The Sentry’s investigation identified 126 companies linked to Kiir’s relatives in sectors like mining, petroleum, and banking.
The watchdog raised concerns about corruption, stating that these businesses were involved in procurement scandals costing billions of dollars.
However, Kiir’s office dismissed the claims as “baseless” and a “witch-hunt,” emphasizing that the constitution allows citizens, including his family, to engage in legitimate business.
The Sentry’s report listed 23 family members, including Kiir’s wife and children, as shareholders in these companies.
However, it noted that Kiir’s name did not appear in corporate documents.
South Sudan remains one of the world’s poorest nations, ranking 177th on Transparency International’s corruption index.
Despite abundant oil resources, the country struggles with economic mismanagement and political instability, with elections now delayed until 2026.