UK ENVOY WARNS SOUTH SUDAN: STOLEN PUBLIC FUNDS WILL BE TRACKED AND SANCTIONED The United Kingdom has delivered a sharp warning to South Sudan’s leadership over the domestic allocation of state funds and rampant fiscal mismanagement. Delivering a hard-hitting public address at the University of Juba, outgoing British Ambassador to South Sudan David Ashley criticized […]

UK ENVOY WARNS SOUTH SUDAN: STOLEN PUBLIC FUNDS WILL BE TRACKED AND SANCTIONED

The United Kingdom has delivered a sharp warning to South Sudan’s leadership over the domestic allocation of state funds and rampant fiscal mismanagement. Delivering a hard-hitting public address at the University of Juba, outgoing British Ambassador to South Sudan David Ashley criticized local authorities for failing to fund basic public services while millions in state revenues go unaccounted for. 

Ambassador Ashley highlighted severe budget disparities, pointing out that less than two percent of South Sudan’s national budget is directed toward combined health and education sectors. Despite pulling in millions monthly from oil and non-oil revenues, the government has repeatedly shortchanged essential social programs, leaving international donors to shoulder the burden. 

In a direct message to officials accused of plundering state coffers, the UK diplomat made it clear that London is drawing a hard line.

Emphasizing that British taxpayers cannot be expected to fund basic healthcare and education for South Sudanese children when local leaders refuse to contribute, Ashley warned that the UK will actively track down hidden overseas assets and impose targeted sanctions on responsible individuals.