Officials in South Sudan's Northern Bahr el Ghazal state government have denied allegations that they used letters of credit (L/Cs) meant for low-cost food imports for personal gain.

Local media reports allege that substantial sums of money have been misappropriated and citizens have been denied affordable food.

Government denial

The media reports allege that 24 companies were provided L/Cs worth US$3 million to import food to help meet consumer demand and slow the pace of price hikes created by food shortages.

But government critics claim some of the companies did not import the required imports and diverted public funds for other purposes.

Counter accusation

The state government denies involvement in the misappropriation of funds.

However, members of the local parliament allege that former caretaker governor, Kuel Aguer, issued L/Cs to private companies owned by his family and business associates.

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