(JUB) – The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) has called for decisive action from the nation’s leadership and public institutions to tackle systemic corruption, stating it actively obstructs development, peace, and human rights across South Sudan. The appeal was made today, December 9, 2025, to mark International Anti Corruption Day.
In a direct assessment of the situation, James Bidal, Head of the Secretariat for SSHRDN, described corruption as a profound violation of human rights. He stated that every instance of a bribe paid or fund misused directly prevents the people of South Sudan from accessing their fundamental rights to education, health, and security. Mr. Bidal stressed the imperative for leaders to be held responsible for their actions, leaving no scope for justification or evasion.
The network issued a strong warning that unchecked corruption actively dismantles public confidence, leads to the poverty of communities, and decelerates the ongoing efforts towards peacebuilding and economic advancement within the country.
SSHRDN is advocating for several key reforms. These include the implementation of more robust mechanisms for responsibility, greater openness in governmental management, and the establishment of reliable protections for ordinary citizens, individuals who expose wrongdoing (whistleblowers), and organisations within civil society that report corrupt practices.
Mr. Bidal emphasised the critical necessity for widespread and immediate joint effort. He noted that South Sudan’s complete potential remains unreachable so long as corruption continues without checks or controls, urging all stakeholders to collaboratively secure the country’s prospects.
The Network specifically requested that government bodies reinforce measures to enforce anti corruption laws, guarantee full clarity in the processes of obtaining public goods and services (public procurement) and the distribution of humanitarian aid, and authorise citizens to report corruption without any fear of hostile reaction or punishment.
Mr. Bidal affirmed, “Corruption takes away our future, and we must together reclaim it for the people” in his closing remarks.
