The Ministry’s statement sought to address what it called misinformation from an online platform, which made various accusations against Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, including nepotism and corruption

By Aguok Chok 

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has strongly refuted a recent article by an online publication Sixty 4 Tribes Press, labeling it as false, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, the current National Minister of Trade and Industry. The Ministry responded on Monday, June 16, correcting what it called “several inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims.”

The first major clarification from the ministry’s statement addressed misinformation about Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang’s political background. Contrary to the article’s assertions, she has never served as the State Minister of Environment and Forestry in Jonglei State. The Ministry stated:

“Her documented ministerial roles in Jonglei State include Information and Communication; Health; and Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism. She also served as Deputy Governor of Jonglei State prior to her current appointment. Furthermore, Jonglei State does not have a Ministry of Environment and Forestry.”

In addition to correcting biographical errors, the Ministry defended the Minister’s reform agenda since taking office. It dismissed allegations that “hundreds of provisional appointees” had been made, stating that such claims were baseless.

“There have been no changes leading to ‘hundreds of provisional appointees.’ Any reassignments or reshuffling of senior management posts have been routine administrative actions undertaken by the Ministry to steer its reform and development plans,” the statement read.

The Ministry also addressed accusations of nepotism and corruption linked to a so-called “leaked report.” The report allegedly implicated the Minister in appointing a relative to a high-ranking post and mismanaging contracts at the Nimule border.

The Ministry clarified:

“Allegations of nepotism, specifically concerning the appointment of Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang’s uncle as Director of External Trade, along with claims of a ‘leaked report’ detailing ‘shoddy contracts’ and ‘counterfeiting goods’ at the Nimule border, could not be verified through credible news reports or official statements. These remain unsubstantiated claims.”

Further defending the individual in question, the Ministry pointed out:

“The individual in question has been within the Ministry since 2003, predating Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang’s appointment, and held the position of Director for External Trade from 2012-2018. His recent transfer was a routine administrative action, not a new appointment.”

Regarding the suspension of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards’ Executive Director, the Ministry cited valid governance concerns.

“The suspension of Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph… was based on official reasons including mismanagement of resources, unprocedural conduct, divisive politics, and undermining the Minister’s office,” it stated.

Similarly, the Ministry emphasized that disciplinary action against its Undersecretary was warranted.

“The suspension of Hon. Undersecretary was a result of insubordination, indiscipline, and intimidation, as well as sabotaging the directives of the Hon. Minister,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry concluded by urging citizens to verify information and avoid misinformation. It expressed concern that “unprofessional and unreliable news outlets disseminate information containing unsubstantiated claims, particularly in South Sudan where many citizens may consume online content without adequate verification.”