JUBA – South Sudan lawmakers are receiving $1,000 every in medical allowances, whereas workers on the parliament have seen their very own funds slashed, sparking protests and arrests, sources instructed Sudans Post on Monday.
The 650 members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, established per phrases of the revitalized peace settlement, obtained the allowances on Monday, in line with a supply inside the parliament who spoke on situation of anonymity.
However, workers allowances have been reduce from $100 to 50, resulting in protests and the arrest of some staff by safety forces, the supply mentioned.
“This is to confirm to you that today on 27th Jan 2025 the members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly received their medical allowance in dollars,” the supply who refused to be recognized by title mentioned.
“Meanwhile the staffs were allocated 50 per person, which the staffs have refused to take. Something that has sparked outcry in regard to how staffs are being enslaved,” he additional added.
Staff are demanding the reinstatement of their authentic $100 allowance and are contemplating a strike, the supply mentioned. They additionally referred to as for the elimination of the parliament’s management, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement.
“Staff also requested that neither them nor MPs were to be given money during this economic turmoil but rather the money was supposed to be channeled to Juba Teaching Hospital,” the supply mentioned.
Another possibility, they instructed, was to make use of the funds to assist frontline medical employees and safety personnel.
A second parliamentary workers member, who additionally spoke on situation of anonymity, confirmed the fee of allowances to MPs however criticized the dealing with of workers funds.
“Yes. That is true. But the issue of staff was mishandled by the Administration or corrupted by the Administration,” the workers member mentioned.
They alleged that the preliminary $100 fee to workers was abruptly halted on account of an order from increased authorities, citing administrative errors. The order then lowered the fee to $50.
“I made inquiry but was not from the leadership of the Assembly but within Administration itself that was not passed by the leadership of the Assembly that staff are supposed to get $ 50,” the workers member mentioned.
“Moreover, $ 100 was the amount intended but because those who cut $ 50 dollars wanted to corrupt the money. This lack of transparency is total corruption,” they claimed.
The workers member clarified that the funds weren’t strictly medical allowances, however quite funds supplied by the president’s workplace to assist MPs.
“This came after many MPs have died and the majority of the elders in Parliament are sick,” they mentioned.
Oliver Mori, the spokesperson for the House, mentioned he was not within the workplace and was unable to touch upon the matter, whereas efforts to achieve First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel for remark have been unsuccessful.