AWEIL — Governor of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, Simon Ober Mawut, on Thursday suspended the state minister of roads and bridges, Carolina Achok Akot, for alleged misappropriation of 60 million South Sudanese pounds (SSP) generated from leasing government land.
Ms. Achok has been accused of mismanagement of resources, insubordination, and failure to perform her duties, including refusal to attend a state cabinet meeting, according to a gubernatorial order extended by Sudans Post on Thursday.
“Gross indiscipline and insubordination, including failure to attend official duties in her office and the council of ministers and deliberate refusal to participate in the recently concluded commissioners’ forum, where she was required to present her ministry’s report,” the order reads.
Mawut accused her of grabbing public assets for personal use including the sale of fuel allocated for rehabilitating the Aweil airport runway.
“Unauthorized seizure of assets for private use, specifically the forceful taking of UNOPS equipment and materials on 6th December 2024 that had been handed over to the state government following the completion of the Nyamlel Bridge project.
Gabriel Deng Yel, State Minister of Information and Communication, accused the suspended road minister of selling 20 drums of fuel donated by UNMISS for maintenance of the Aweil airport runway.
“These matters were raised with the minister on several occasions, and she was given ample opportunity to respond and make necessary adjustments. Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings and efforts to engage constructively, the issue persisted,” said Deng.
Deng accused her of what he called “persistent indiscipline” and “insubordination,” including refusal to adhere to official directives.
“Her assertion that she is being targeted on the basis of gender is deeply regrettable and does not reflect the governor’s commitment to inclusive leadership,” he said.
“Ministers are expected to report to the governor and maintain open communication regarding their plans, activities, and challenges. This is essential for coordination, transparency, and the effective implementation of government programs.”
