S. Sudan restricts foreign trip for ministers suspended over financial scandal
June 28, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s two ministers, who were recently implicated in a financial scandal will not be allowed to travel out of the country, until investigations in to the matter are completed.
The internal affairs ministry, a source told Sudan Tribune, has received instructions not to allow the suspended ministers to use their diplomatic passports when attempting to leave the country.
Any travel outside South Sudan would require the approval of the investigation committee and the ministry of interior, said the well-placed source from the immigration department.
The duo, he disclosed, will have to apply for new passports the moment investigations into their case are concluded.
“These are instructions from the higher authorities in the light of the investigations that have been instituted against them by the government investigative committee,” the source said.
They are however free to apply for passports once the investigations and possible prosecution are concluded”, he added. “The decision was taken to ensure that the investigation process is not delayed”.
But an aide to the suspended cabinet affairs minister told Sudan Tribune Friday that the office of the minister had not yet received any communication on his restricted travel.
Augustino Maduot Parek, the head of the immigration department at the ministry interior was not available for a comment, when contacted on Friday.
However, a security source claimed the decision to restrict movement of the suspended ministers was justified, saying there were fears the officials would tamper with evidence, interfere with witnesses or sabotage investigations.
Meanwhile, the government, according to the source, has instructed the various security organs to be alert and not allow Kuol and Manibe to leave the country without prior approval.
(ST)