South Sudan minister resigns in protest against corruption

May 20, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Minister for International Cooperation and Development of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), Nhial Deng Nhial resigned and left to Kampala on Wednesday 17 May.

The son of the famous freedom fighter, William Deng, had resigned in protest against corruption in the GoSS and the lack of progress by the government in accomplishing projects on the ground for the people of the south despite enough time elapsing since the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) had taken over power from the National Congress following the signing of the peace agreement.

According to the Khartoum based Alwan, Deng was angry when he left Juba for Kampala.

Nhial Deng is considered one of the most prominent young southern personalities who actively participated in the Naivasha negotiations.

He was well-trusted by John Garang and together with Yasir Arman and Pagan Amum was one of the closest to the former SPLM leader. Deng was nominated to be one of Garang’s advisors at the presidency but due to Garang’s sudden death this was cut short.

Salva Kiir instead kept Deng as a minister in the GoSS. Deng preferred to work in the GoSS after Garang’s death and left Khartoum and has not returned since.

Nhial Deng’s family is residing in Britain. He studied at the University of Khartoum and is a fluent Arabic speaker. He originates from the Dinka Toj in Bahr-al-Ghazal and is considered one of the most prominent young southern intellectuals in the south who have connections within the region.

(ST)