Investigation Launched into Malpractices by Telecommunications Companies in South Sudan

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has formed a nine-member committee to investigate alleged malpractices by telecommunications companies operating in South Sudan. The motion was presented by Juol Nhomngek, an SPLM-IO legislator, highlighting illegal activities by MTN South Sudan and ZTE Corporation, causing negative socio-economic impacts on the public.

The malpractices include extortion of money from subcontractors and overcharging for services, which have led to increased communication costs and affected the socio-economic welfare of citizens. The parliamentarians welcomed the motion, prompting the formation of a committee to gather evidence from various telecom companies.

Radio Tamazuj’s investigation exposed senior employees at MTN and ZTE South Sudan engaging in corrupt practices, leading to the dismissal of one MTN employee. However, ZTE Corporation is yet to take action against its suspected employee. The incident has highlighted the need for stricter anti-corruption policies in the telecommunications sector.

The investigation aims to bring transparency and accountability to the industry, ensuring that citizens’ money is not misused and that telecom companies contribute their fair share of taxes to the government.