South Sudan's Public Sector and the Corruption: The Urgent Need for Reform

Abstract

Despite so many polices that have been adopted by multiple international and regional organizations to address and limit the negative consequences of corruption across the world, corruption is still maintaining its position as a global threat to development and prosperity. As fighting corruption is one of the key elements for achieving rule of law, many countries, especially in Africa have engaged in adoption of possible polices, enactment of laws and regulations in order to address corruption. Yet, what have been achieved in this context is very insignificant comparing with the expectations. This is not applicable to the all countries, especially in East Africa. There are some countries that have taken committed efforts — either solely or by the help of international and regional actors — to fight corruption, through designated rule of law reform and the associated reform. South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world has plunged into unrepresented corruption in East Africa, perhaps in the world, since its secession from Sudan in July 2011. An estimated amount of $ 4 billion dollars of public fund have been systematically stolen over the last 15 years by the government officials, and deposited in foreign accounts outside the country (BBC, 2012). Empirical result of this chronic disease has shown that the intended development projects have not been attained as well as life expectancy of many South Sudanese people after the independence. This research paper intends to shed light on the systemic corruption in South Sudan’s public sector, people involved, causes, consequences, and role played by the Anti-Corruption Commission in South Sudan. The research highlights a comparative analysis between South Sudan and Rwanda and the possible reform that should be adopted in fighting and combating corruption, especially with the internal agencies, and how government of the Republic of South Sudan should express its willingness to contribute in this endemic corruption that has crippled development of the country for so many years. The paper concludes with the available opportunities on the ground as well as the constraints.