
South Sudan: United People’s Alliance (UPA) – Press Statement (26.02.2025)






“I am dedicated to advancing our economic agenda and working closely with H.E. to ensure South Sudan secures its rightful place in the region” – Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel (12.02.2025).
It is really amazing that Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the in-law of the President Salva Kiir Mayardit is now sworn-in as a Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. His now being ushered into the upper echelon of state and being prepared for a possible transition in the future. Though there is little to no trust that Kiir has any plans of ever relieving himself or having someone to be his successor.
With that in mind, the former Presidential Advisor and Envoy are now becoming an VP. A man who is sanctioned by the United States of America. This man has already been caught being corrupt and using his role as a way of enriching himself. That’s why he has at least two properties in Juba and one in Nairobi, Kenya.
The new VP has roles in four sanctioned companies, ABMC Thai-South Sudan Construction Company Limited (ABMC), Winners Construction Company Limited, HOME AND AWAY Ltd and ARC Resources Corporation ltd.
In addition to that, to ensure he got the ill-gotten gains he used alias to transfer transactions and funds between accounts. He has used phony names like “Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali” and “Al-Cardinal”. There is also reports that he has used this alias too: “Kuol Akol Wieu”. These are all names on accounts and on paperwork to hide his ownership from companies, which has gotten government contracts and funding over the years.
We know now that President Kiir isn’t worried about his inner circle eating of the plate of the state. When he appoints and promotes the likes of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. A man who has no trouble to take profits for ill-gotten services on the behalf of the government. That is who is entrusted the second in command and being in close association with the President.
If there would be more corruption and grand corruption in the future. We shouldn’t be surprised why state funds would be siphoned and gone missing. He has been able to do so over the years and now he has become a higher-ranking official than before.
Time will tell, but it’s not long ago since 2017 when he was sanctioned by the U.S. and therefore, we can not avoid the fact and knowing what he has done in the past. The Sentry has investigated him and for a reason. Nevertheless, his familiarity and closeness to Kiir is more important than stealing some money, apparently. Peace.










