(JUBA) – Equity Bank Juba Main Branch is facing the prospect of legal action after two law firms accused the bank of failing to provide cash to clients despite repeated withdrawal requests, an issue they say amounts to a serious breach of basic banking obligations in South Sudan’s capital.
In a formal demand notice dated January 14, 2026, Pan African Law Chambers LLP and Alliance Law Chambers said they are prepared to file a lawsuit unless the matter is resolved within seven days. The notice was issued on behalf of Pan African Law Chambers LLP itself and an individual client, Jan Yamba Justin. Both are represented by advocate Wani Santino Jada.
The law firms allege that Equity Bank repeatedly informed their clients that there was no cash available when they attempted to withdraw funds from their accounts. They describe the situation as a continuing and unjustified failure that has disrupted professional operations and personal commitments, while also causing financial loss and reputational damage.
According to the notice, the alleged conduct represents a violation of both contractual and fiduciary duties owed by a bank to its customers. The lawyers argue that the actions amount to an abuse of financial trust and have unlawfully denied clients full access to their lawful banking rights.
The demand letter warns that unless the bank takes immediate and satisfactory steps to address the issue, civil proceedings will be initiated without further notice. A legal team of thirteen advocates has been named to pursue the case, seeking remedies that include damages and legal costs.
As part of the potential claim, the notice includes a demand for nearly 4 million United States dollars in advocate fees, which is equivalent to about 28.4 billion South Sudanese pounds at the prevailing market rate of 7,100 SSP to one US dollar in December 2025. The lawyers have instructed Equity Bank to respond in writing without delay, stating that they have clear instructions to proceed with litigation if no settlement is reached.
The dispute has drawn attention to wider concerns about banking reliability and client protection in South Sudan’s financial sector. The legal teams involved say their action is intended to affirm constitutional principles and access to justice, stressing that all institutions are subject to the law.
Officials at Equity Bank Juba Main Branch were not immediately available for comment at the time of publication.
Equity Bank operates in South Sudan as part of the regional expansion of Equity Group Holdings Plc of Kenya, one of East Africa’s largest financial services groups. The bank began operating in South Sudan in May 2009, before independence in 2011, as part of a strategy to extend formal banking services into markets with limited access to finance.
The case comes at a time when South Sudan continues to face persistent cash shortages that have affected banks, businesses, and households. Liquidity pressures have limited the ability of many commercial banks to meet customer withdrawal demands, often forcing clients to wait for extended periods or accept reduced amounts. For the business community, these constraints have added uncertainty to daily operations and highlighted the importance of confidence in the banking system.
