The Systemic Corruption at the Ministry of Finance and Planning in South Sudan: Mismanagement of Public Funds and Procurement Scandals

Abstract

Effective public financial management and financial control systems have an important role in ensuring the accountability of use of public funds, and safeguarding limited public resources against corruption and other misuse as wells as other unlawful practices. South Sudan, the East African country that emerged in July 2011 as an independent country, is facing challenges and perceived weakness in its financial management, despite existence of laws and regulations. Studies and reports by international agencies revealed that financial corruption in South Sudan is deeply rooted, and is institutionalized (The Sentry , 2020). This paper intends to shed light on mismanagement of public funds in the public sector, particularly at the Ministry of Finance, which has experience ineffective internal control systems over the last years. This paper further discusses corruption scandals triggered by deficiencies and loopholes in the public procurement and awarding of government contracts. The paper concludes by suggesting the required reform at the regulatory and institutional level and the possible means.