South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Finance Bak Barnaba Chol at the Nimule border while allegedly attempting to cross into Uganda.
Speaking to the media, Ateny said Dr. Bak was apprehended by security authorities at the border and immediately returned to Juba for further investigation.
He dismissed claims that the arrest was politically motivated, insisting the action was linked to suspected financial irregularities.
“The former Minister of Finance was apprehended and brought back while attempting to escape. This action is not political; it is a direct response to irregularities identified within the monetary system and monetary policy,” Ateny said.
The information minister revealed that a specialized government committee has been constituted to investigate the alleged financial malpractices within the country’s financial system.
He said the committee will determine the full scope of the investigation and the number of individuals implicated.
“A specialized committee is currently investigating these financial malpractices and will later confirm the total number of individuals arrested,” Ateny stated.
“This committee is fully capable and will issue an official statement through its spokesperson to update the media on the findings.”
Ateny further disclosed that several other former government officials have already been arrested in connection with the ongoing probe, signaling a broader crackdown on alleged financial misconduct.
However, authorities have yet to publicly disclose specific charges against Dr. Bak or the other suspects as investigations continue.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with the government framing the move as part of efforts to address irregularities in the financial system, while observers await further details from investigators in the coming days.
