The Office of President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed reports alleging that government officials who accompanied the President on his recent tour of the Bahr el Ghazal region did so with expectations of personal financial rewards or monetary gifts.
In a statement issued following the President’s return to Juba on Friday, the presidency said it had taken note of what it described as misleading claims circulated by some media outlets regarding the conduct of officials during the visit.
“The Office of the President has taken note of the false claims and allegations made by some media outlets that officials who accompanied His Excellency during this visit did so with expectations of personal financial rewards or monetary gifts.
Such claims are entirely unfounded and fail to recognize the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by those who participated in the journey,” the statement said.
The presidency stressed that ministers and government officials are not personally compensated by the President for carrying out official duties and do not accompany him on state visits in anticipation of financial handouts.
“At no point are ministers or government officials compensated by the President personally for carrying out their official duties, nor do they accompany him in expectation of financial handouts,” the statement said.
“Their service is guided by their constitutional responsibilities, their commitment to the people of South Sudan, and their dedication to ensuring that government functions effectively at all levels.”
President Kiir returned to the capital after completing a week-long tour of the Bahr el Ghazal region, where he attended public rallies in Wau, Kuajok, and Aweil.
During the visit, he urged citizens to preserve peace, invest in agriculture, and prepare for the general elections scheduled for December.
The Office of the President said the tour was peaceful and productive, providing an opportunity for direct engagement between the national leadership and local communities on issues of peace, development, and governance.
The presidency also expressed appreciation to government officials, security personnel, local authorities, and community leaders who contributed to the success of the visit.
It further commended those who participated in the tour for their continued service to the country, reiterating that public service should be measured by commitment to national duty rather than unfounded speculation about personal gain.
