South Sudan: Senior Cabinet officials suspended – face corruption probe

(AP) – The Salva Kiir administration in South Sudan has suspended two cabinet ministers and ordered an investigation into corruption allegations against them.

President Salva Kiir said he was lifting immunity for Finance Minister Kosti Manibe Ngai and his cabinet Affairs colleague Deng Alor Kuol.

Officials say some US$7.95 million was transferred for the alleged purchase of anti-fire safes, but those goods were never delivered.

The suspended finance minister said the safes had been ordered earlier this year and that an investigation committee would have access to all the documents.

The government in South Sudan is determined to avoid corruption that plagued many countries in Africa in the 1980’s and 90s.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan and formed its own country following a July 2011 referendum.