The Government of South Sudan has successfully reached an out of court settlement with a group of 32 hotel operators, putting an end to a legal dispute involving over $60 million in unpaid bills for hosting government-affiliated guests.
The hotels had taken legal action against the National Transitional Committee (NTC), led by presidential adviser Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, alleging non payment for accommodation and food services.
The case had been pending before the East African Court of Justice for a number of years.
Represented by Pan African Law Chambers LLP, a prominent law firm specialising in regional litigation, the hotel operators have now reached a mutually agreed settlement with the government, led by the Ministry of Justice.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in resolving years of uncertainty and avoiding prolonged litigation. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed by the Justice Ministry, but it is deemed to be legally binding.
Tesfay Abraham, CEO of Radas Hotel Hai Neem and a representative of the Hotels Association of South Sudan, described the agreement as “amicable and forward looking,” emphasizing its positive impact on investor confidence in the country’s legal system.
Joseph Chol Akot, CEO of Referendum Hotel, hailed the resolution as a “historic moment” for businesses, commending the government for its good faith actions and expressing gratitude to legal counsel Wani Santino Jada of Pan African Law Chambers LLP for his efforts in negotiations.
Gabriel Mabior Chiping, secretary-general of the Hotel and Catering Association of South Sudan, praised the deal as a reflection of the constructive cooperation between the government and the private sector.
