South Sudanese presidential aspirant Kornelio Kon Ngu has called on the government to pay outstanding salaries owed to former members of parliament, saying he went 19 months without receiving his salary while serving in the legislature.
Kon, a former Third Deputy Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly, made the remarks on Friday while addressing journalists in his capacity as a leader of the National Alliance of Political Parties in South Sudan.
He questioned the need for the ongoing inter-party dialogue, arguing that the money being spent on the process could instead be used to clear salary arrears owed to former lawmakers.
“As a member of parliament and Third Deputy Speaker, I have gone 19 months without a salary. The money being used for the ongoing inter-party dialogue could have been used to pay those who have not been paid,” Kon said.
He also questioned the purpose of the dialogue as the country prepares for elections, suggesting that the process would have limited value if the government was already moving towards a vote.
Kon’s remarks come amid preparations for South Sudan’s planned December 2026 general elections, with political parties engaged in discussions over the country’s political and electoral process.
The inter-party dialogue is intended to provide a platform for political parties to discuss issues affecting the country’s political transition.
However, Kon argued that the resources allocated to the process should be weighed against outstanding financial obligations to former lawmakers.
The government has not been quoted in the remarks responding to Kon’s demand for payment.
