South Sudan's Leaders Accused of Stealing Billions Amid Devastating Food Crisis

South Sudan's Leaders Accused of Systematic Looting United Nations investigators have accused South Sudanese authorities of plundering the country's wealth to the tune of billions of dollars, exacerbating a deepening food crisis in one of the world's poorest nations. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan released a report Tuesday alleging that authorities used various schemes to divert significant amounts of money from public revenue since the country's independence in 2011. According to the report, the systematic looting has been institutionalized by a "predatory elite" that has exploited the nation's wealth for private gain. The commission's chair, Yasmin Sooka, stated, "The scale and brazenness of these crimes are staggering. It is clear that those responsible have no regard for the suffering of ordinary South Sudanese people." South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. However, the country has since been plagued by conflict, corruption, and economic instability. The UN report notes that the systematic looting has occurred despite international efforts to support the country's development. The report highlights several schemes used by authorities to divert public funds, including the use of shell companies, fake invoices, and bribes to government officials. The commission estimates that billions of dollars have been stolen, exacerbating the country's poverty and food crisis. "It is a tragedy that the wealth of South Sudan has been plundered by those who are supposed to be its leaders," said Sooka. "The international community must take action to hold these individuals accountable for their crimes." The UN report comes as the international community continues to provide humanitarian aid to South Sudan, which faces one of the world's worst food crises. The country has been ravaged by conflict and drought, leaving millions in need of assistance. In response to the report, the South Sudanese government has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the allegations are "baseless" and "politically motivated." However, human rights groups have welcomed the UN report, calling for greater accountability from those responsible for the systematic looting. As the international community continues to grapple with the crisis in South Sudan, the UN report serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the country's leadership. The commission's findings are expected to inform future efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and promote good governance in South Sudan. Background: South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. However, the country has since been plagued by conflict, corruption, and economic instability. The UN report notes that the systematic looting has occurred despite international efforts to support the country's development. Additional Perspectives: "The UN report is a wake-up call for the international community to take action against those responsible for the systematic looting in South Sudan," said John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project. "We must work together to promote accountability and good governance in the country." "This report highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in South Sudan's leadership," said Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. "The international community must take action to hold those responsible accountable for their crimes." Current Status: The UN report is expected to inform future efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and promote good governance in South Sudan. The international community continues to provide humanitarian aid to the country, which faces one of the world's worst food crises. Next Developments: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan will continue to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and corruption in the country. The commission's findings are expected to inform future efforts to promote accountability and good governance in South Sudan. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*