Kenya Insights

Tag: Martin Elia Lomuro

  • The Shadowy Path of South Sudan’s Martin Elia Lomuro: A Tale of Corruption and Controversy

    The Shadowy Path of South Sudan’s Martin Elia Lomuro: A Tale of Corruption and Controversy

    Martin Elia Lomuro, the National Minister of Cabinet Affairs in South Sudan, has a long history marred by corruption allegations, financial mismanagement, and shady dealings.

    Despite his denials and attempts to portray himself as a victim of misinformation, Lomuro’s track record tells a different story—systemic corruption and exploitation of his high-ranking position for personal gain.

    Martin Elia Lomuro

    Allegations of a Massive UAE Loan

    In late 2023, reports emerged that the South Sudanese government had secured a USD 12.9 billion loan from a company linked to the Abu Dhabi ruling family.

    This deal, allegedly negotiated on the sidelines of the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, was purportedly signed by South Sudan’s former Finance Minister, Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol.

    Oyet Nathaniel Peirino, the First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), voiced concerns over the legitimacy and transparency of this loan.

    He questioned why such a substantial amount was borrowed without parliamentary approval, highlighting the potential for severe economic repercussions.

    In response, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro dismissed the reports as mere “social media allegations,” claiming no knowledge of such a loan and denying the existence of any related documents.

    Lomuro’s evasive answers and outright denial only fueled suspicions of underhanded dealings.

    Mismanagement of Peace Funds

    In January 2024, Lomuro faced intense scrutiny from the TNLA’s Finance Committee regarding the misappropriation of USD 10 million designated for peace agreement institutions.

    The Cabinet Affairs Ministry’s secretariat account mysteriously received funds meant for the National Constitutional Review Commission and the National Human Rights Council.

    Lomuro’s ministry allegedly diverted the funds to unspecified “special projects,” violating South Sudan’s financial regulations.

    This unauthorized diversion of funds raised significant concerns about Lomuro’s financial management and integrity.

    The Crisis Committee Scandal

    Lomuro has been involved in corrupt practices since at least 2016. He was implicated in a scandal with the Crisis Management Committee (CMC).

    The government established the CMC to manage the aftermath of the 2013 conflict in South Sudan and to aid in the country’s recovery.

    Confidential documents revealed that of the SSP 447 million disbursed to the CMC, only SSP 84 million could be accounted for.

    Over SSP 360 million remained untraceable, raising questions about their misuse.

    Lomuro and several other ministers and officials benefited from these funds, blatantly disregarding the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act of 2012.

    Money Laundering Charges in Kenya

    In 2021, Lomuro faced money laundering charges in Kenya, where the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Court froze his bank accounts containing USD 124,000 due to suspicious transactions.

    Authorities eventually cleared Lomuro of these charges.

    However, the case further tarnished his reputation. It also highlighted the international dimensions of his financial improprieties.

    The Denial and Reality

    Lomuro’s consistent denial of any wrongdoing and his attempts to attribute allegations to social media misinformation reflect a pattern of evasion and deflection.

    He has repeatedly dismissed credible reports and concerns raised by parliamentary officials as unfounded rumors.

    For instance, when questioned about the alleged USD 12.9 billion loan, Lomuro claimed ignorance and dismissed the matter as baseless.

    His assertion that social media information is unreliable and illegal is an attempt to undermine legitimate concerns and avoid accountability.

    Similarly, regarding the misuse of peace funds, Lomuro justified the reduction in allocated amounts by citing financial challenges.

    However, his failure to follow proper procedures and unauthorized diversion of funds indicate deliberate mismanagement.

    The Bigger Picture

    Lomuro’s actions are symptomatic of a broader culture of corruption and lack of transparency within South Sudan’s government.

    He maintained his position despite numerous allegations. This points to a systemic issue. Accountability is often bypassed.

    The implications of Lomuro’s corrupt practices are far-reaching.

    Mismanagement of funds meant for peace and development undermines efforts to stabilize South Sudan and rebuild its institutions.

    The diversion of critical resources for personal gain exacerbates the country’s economic challenges and hampers progress.

    His involvement in international financial scandals, such as the money laundering case in Kenya, highlights the global reach of his corrupt activities.

    It underscores the need for international cooperation in holding corrupt officials accountable and preventing the misuse of financial systems.

    Conclusion

    Martin Elia Lomuro served as South Sudan’s National Minister of Cabinet Affairs. His tenure is riddled with corruption allegations.

    Financial mismanagement and shady dealings marked his time in office. The international community, along with South Sudan’s own institutions, must take a firm stand against such corruption.

     

  • South Sudan Minister Accused Of Using Kenyan Bank To Launder Millions

    South Sudan Minister Accused Of Using Kenyan Bank To Launder Millions

    The High Court is investigating South Sudan’s minister of cabinet affairs Elia Lomoro for money laundering after authorities said there have been suspicious transactions being made by the senior South Sudanese government official using its Kenyan bank account.

    Justice James Wakiaga issued the orders freezing Martin Elia Lomuro’s bank accounts containing Sh13.42 million following a case filed by Asset Recovery Agency. He is Minister for Cabinet Affairs.

    In a case filed by senior state council Stephen Githinji on behalf of ARA director, the agency said Lomuro’s bank account at the Bank made several suspicious transactions pointing to money laundering.

    “There is reasonable grounds to believe that the funds held by the respondent in the specified bank account are direct benefits, profits and or proceeds of crime obtained from a complex money laundering scheme and are liable to be forfeited to the state under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009,” the application reads in part.

    In December 2019, the US, through the Treasury’s office of foreign assets control (OFAC) sanctioned Lomuro and his defence counterpart Kuol Manyang Juuk for allegations of fanning violence in the country for their own personal enrichment.

    “The United States stands by the people of South Sudan who continue to suffer under this political instability that has led to thousands of deaths. The South Sudanese deserve leaders who are committed to laying the groundwork for a successful, peaceful political transition,” reads the statement by OFAC.

    According to a supporting affidavit sworn by Isaac Nakitare, an investigative officer attached to the agency, Lomuro operated two banks accounts at the Bank – one of them a dollar only account.

    The dollar account received $351, 317.81 as credit out of which $351, 293.52 was debited for the period September 2017-January 2020, Nakitare said in the affidavit.

    It adds, “On December 24, 2019 the respondent instructed Bank to close down his dollar account and send the funds to his local account.”

    Further, preliminary analysis of the bank statement for the dollar established a total of $460,896.20 was transferred to Lomuro’s local currency account.

    Several transactions were made in the account between January 4, 2018 and January 2, 2020 to the tune of Sh46.20 million.

    Nakitare stated in the affidavit that Lomuro made suspicious cash transfers to a bank account held in the name of a Ms Rejah Kedi Ladu Kenyi, an indication that they worked jointly in the suspected money laundering racket.

    The probe also revealed that Lomuro’s account had been credited with Sh122.78 million out of which, Sh109.36 was debited.

    This left a balance of Sh13.42 million which the agency sought to be preserved. The amount is declared as salary.

    “The preliminary analysis of the bank statement held in the name of the respondent does not demonstrate a consistent source of funds which could reasonably be said to be salary,” the officer noted.

    The investigation further revealed that Rejab’s accounts received Sh42.322 million

    Out of the amount, Sh39.68 million was received from various sources on diverse dates between September 14, 2017 and December 29, 2020.

    “That investigation has established that MS Rejah Kedi Ladu Kenyi Martin Elias Lomuro received a total of Sh49.43 million as forex reversal. Of this amount, Sh46.20 million was from his USSD account,” it says.

    The investigative office concluded, “That there are reasonable grounds to believe that the bank accounts of the respondent were used as conduits of illicit financial flows and money laundering”.