JUBA, Aug. 26, 2025 – A South Sudanese lawmaker has tabled a dramatic motion in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) calling for the appearance of Second Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Akol, to face questioning over allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and violations of the country’s constitution.
The motion, raised by Hon. Machok Majong Jong, MP for Kuac North constituency, accuses the Vice President of undermining national security, mismanaging public resources, and using his position to enrich himself and his allies. Speaking before the Assembly, Majong invoked Article 55 of the Transitional Constitution, which grants Parliament the authority to summon any public official, and urged the legislature to hold the Executive accountable.
Among the most serious allegations is the so-called “Nasir Incident,” in which Majong claims Bol Mel and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar interfered in military operations, contributing to clashes that killed civilians and soldiers in Upper Nile State. He also accused the Vice President of allowing Ugandan troops to be stationed on his private land in Juba, reportedly serving as bodyguards while South Sudanese soldiers remain unpaid for months.
The motion further cites border tensions in Kajo-Keji, where Bol Mel allegedly traveled with a group of Kakwa leaders of dual citizenship to divide mineral-rich land, sparking violence that displaced civilians. Questions were also raised about secret international dealings, including reported U.S. deportee resettlements and rumors of plans to host Palestinians from Gaza – arrangements Majong said bypass parliamentary oversight.
Economic allegations dominated the motion, with Majong accusing Bol Mel of monopolizing infrastructure projects through a cartel, mismanaging oil revenues by diverting them to foreign companies, and exerting excessive control over financial transactions through allies in the National Revenue Authority. He alleged that these practices have worsened inflation, weakened the local currency, and starved the Central Bank of much-needed revenues.
Majong also highlighted politically motivated arrests, including that of veteran diplomat Gen. Akot Lual Arec and businessman Akol Ayii Madut, claiming the Vice President was misusing security organs to silence rivals. He added that even the country’s national basketball team was not spared, alleging Bol Mel blocked approved funds for the Bright Stars, leading to unpaid players and international embarrassment.
Concluding his remarks, Majong warned that South Sudan risks sliding toward “state failure” if Parliament fails to act. “The Vice President has become like a master tailor of invisible garments, dressing the leadership of this nation in illusions while the public sees only nakedness,” he said.
The motion, endorsed by several MPs, will now be considered by the Assembly leadership. It remains unclear whether Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba will summon Vice President Bol Mel to face the allegations in a special session.
