Betrayed by Their Own Government: Western Bahr el-Ghazal MPs Suffer in Silence

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‎ Western Bahr El Ghazal State Assembly.  ‎At least 40 lawmakers in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State are reportedly bedridden without proper medical care due to the state government's failure to pay their medical allowances since they took office in 2020, according to a legislative spokesperson.  ‎ ‎Joseph Mawut Athian, spokesperson for the Western Bahr el-Ghazal Transitional Legislative Assembly, told the media that the sick legislators lack even travel funds to seek treatment in Juba.  ‎ ‎“We have about 40 MPs who are sick and without even the tickets for travel to Juba,” Athian said.  ‎ ‎He accused executive members of using state funds for flights abroad both for medical treatment and personal trips while lawmakers struggle without basic resources.  ‎ ‎“We are seeing some officials within the executive flying to Juba, Kenya and elsewhere, yet even our speaker has no car to travel to the Lokoloko neighborhood within Wau,” he said.  ‎ ‎Athian said the assembl...
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Unity State Finance Minister given seven days ultimatum to comply and come for questioning or face action, Unity State Parliament declared.

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File: Unity State Parliament.


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Unity state lawmakers renewed it's summon of the Finance and Planning Minister, a decision that unanimously reached on Tuesday, the finance minister was to provide answers regarding the 3 percent proceeds from the sale of crude oil allocated to Unity State. 


The motion to summon the Finance Minister was raised last month but the minister in question didn't show up, so the parliament decided to summon him again to answer questions regarding the 3 percent oil revenue which the state did not receive since 2013. 


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Hon. Stephen Mawich, the Chairperson of the Information Committee in Unity State Legislative Assembly said that, the parliament has renewed the summons for the Finance Minister to appear before the law makers. 


“The parliament has renewed the summons for the State Finance Minister to appear before the legislators.” Hon. Stephen said. 


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The 'state' in question currently is in a challenging financial situation this forced the legislatures to demand for the truth regarding the oil proceeds, but the Finance Minister has disregarded the previous summons. 


The lawmakers are adamant that, they need an explanation from the Finance Minister regarding the budget of Unity State. 


“The lack of development in the oil-producing state has raised concerns about the allocation of the 3 percent oil share. We are in the dark regarding the destination of these funds. This is a grave issue that requires immediate attention. We must be informed about the state's budget before approving the new 2023/2024 budget,” Stephen said. 


Hon. Stephen further said that, they are giving the Finance Minister a seven day period to comply or face the action starting today and ending on Tuesday next week. 


“We are granting the Finance Minister, Malual Tap Diu, a seven-day ultimatum, commencing today and concluding next Tuesday. If he fails to comply, we will take action against him, including a vote of no confidence.” Stephen added.


Member of the Civil Society in Unity State Dr. Riak Koang said that, it is the work of the parliament to know the destination of the funds. 


Also read about: Dredging of Naam River in Unity State commence to a jubilant reception by the locals.


“As the civil society, we are keen to know the current allocation of these funds because our communities have not benefited from the 3 percent oil share intended for development, education, healthcare, and clean water, among other necessities.” Dr. Riak stressed. 


Dr. Riak further said that, he seconded the second summoning of the Finance Minister inorder to provide insight into Unity State's budget since 2013. 


“I welcome the second summons to the Minister of Finance and Planning to provide insight into the state’s budget since 2013. Currently, no one is aware of the state'’s budget.” Dr. Riak added.


Unity State's Minister of Finance and Planning, cannot be reached despite numerous efforts made. 

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