South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has formally moved to summon Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Akol to answer serious allegations of abuse of public resources, economic mismanagement, and arbitrary use of power.
The motion was presented by MP Machok Majong Jong, representing Constituency Number 7, Kuac North/South, Gogrial West County, Warrap State, under Article 55(3)(a) and (b) of the Transitional Constitution, which empowers Parliament to summon any public official for oversight.
Lawmakers cited multiple controversies, including the Nasir incident, where Dr. Bol Mel’s alleged interference in military operations contributed to deaths and ongoing conflict.
Other concerns include the hosting of foreign UPDF troops on the Vice President’s private farm in Juba, possibly violating Article 151(3), and the Kajo-Keji border incident, raising sovereignty concerns under Article 2(2).
Alleged dealings involving U.S. deportees and Palestinian resettlement were also flagged under Article 189.
Economic grievances were central, including monopolization of infrastructure contracts, mismanagement of petroleum revenues, diversion of public funds, and irregular financial transactions, potentially breaching Articles 185(1)(c) and 36(2).
Lawmakers also raised allegations of arbitrary arrests and misuse of public resources for partisan purposes.
“The Vice President has become a master tailor of invisible garments, dressing leadership in illusions while the public sees only nakedness,” said MP Machok Majong Jong, emphasizing Parliament’s duty under Article 55(3) to ensure accountability.
Whether Dr. Bol Mel will comply with the parliamentary summons remains uncertain.
The TNLA is preparing a special session to summon the Vice President, marking a pivotal moment for governance, transparency, and public trust in South Sudan.
Lawmakers have vowed a rigorous inquiry, underscoring that no official is above scrutiny.
