Ministry disowns Amer over explosive J1 priority payment list claim

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the remarks were made in Mangar’s personal capacity and did not represent the official position, policies or decisions of the ministry.

“The statements in question were made solely in the personal capacity of the speaker and do not represent the official position, policy, views, or decisions of the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage,” the statement said.

The ministry further stressed that no authorization or mandate had been given to Majak to speak on behalf of the institution and that it had not been informed in advance about the event where the remarks were delivered.

Mangar reportedly made the comments during a Twic Mayardit community event in Juba, where she painted a grim picture of the financial situation facing government institutions.

Speaking to the gathering, Majak said many institutions were struggling to operate, with some facing the risk of collapse because of funding shortages.

“I will speak the truth as a woman. Even though the truth can be painful, it must be said plainly,” she told the audience.

Mangar claimed that even after institutions complete all required procedures and obtain approvals up to the Bank of South Sudan, they are often informed that newly submitted J1 payment lists have become the priority.

She appealed directly to the Executive Director in the Office of the President to consider the needs of civil servants, warning that prolonged funding shortages could weaken support for President Salva Kiir’s administration.

“People fear to speak because they think they will be dismissed. But today I must talk. If they sack me, I will go. I have served twice, and I am the youngest in government,” she said.

Her remarks quickly attracted attention and prompted a response from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, which rejected claims that government payments are prioritized based on directives or lists from the Office of the President.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Finance Ministry said the allegations did not reflect the government’s financial management procedures.

“While we respect the concerns raised, the Ministry wishes to clarify that the suggestion that payments are prioritized based on specific lists from the Office of the President does not reflect the government’s financial management processes,” the ministry said.

According to the ministry, payment requests originate from various government institutions, including the Office of the President, and are processed according to available resources and national priorities.

The ministry explained that South Sudan continues to face significant fiscal challenges, forcing the government to balance limited resources among elections, security, public services and other critical national obligations.

“The prioritization of these obligations should not be interpreted as preferential treatment of any institution or individual,” it added.

As the debate intensified, the Ministry of Culture moved to distance itself from Majak’s comments, emphasizing its commitment to professionalism, institutional discipline and collective responsibility.

The ministry also reaffirmed its respect for the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Bank of South Sudan and other constitutional institutions.

The exchange has exposed a rare public disagreement within government ranks and sparked fresh discussion about transparency, funding shortages and the management of public resources at a time when many state institutions are struggling to meet their obligations.

For now, the message from the Ministry of Culture appears clear: Amer Madol Mangar spoke for herself, and she alone must answer for her remarks.

sudanspost.com