By Yiep Joseph
The suspended Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol, on Friday, denied allegations that he financed armed youth involved in the conflict in Nasir.
He told the court that he never sent money to support the fighting.
Kang, who is the first accused in the ongoing Nasir incident trial, rejected claims by investigators and digital forensic experts that he transferred funds to armed youth commonly referred to as the White Army.
During earlier sessions, prosecutors alleged that Kang sent USD 1,500 to Gen. Hokdor Chol for traditional rituals linked to the armed youth.
A digital expert also testified that WhatsApp messages extracted from Kang’s communications suggested he was sharing information and funding the group.
However, while presenting his defence during the 75th court session on Friday, Kang dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
“Your Lordship, the fact of the matter is I did not send 1,500 United States Dollars to Gen. Hokdor Chol, who is actually my relative, for ritual purposes,” Kang told the court.
He further denied knowledge of some of the individuals investigators described as his associates.
“In simple terms, I do not know the person since his name was not mentioned, and I am not aware of the claimed message that is said to have been forwarded,” he added.
Kang argued that some of the WhatsApp messages presented by the prosecution did not specify any amount of money allegedly transferred.
He maintained that he neither funded the armed youth nor coordinated with them.
Kang denied any organisational connection between the SPLM/A-IO and the armed youth involved in the fighting, insisting that the youth operated independently from the movement’s command structure.
Kang and seven co-accused, including suspended First Vice President and SPLM/A-IO leader Riek Machar, are facing charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity in connection with the March 2025 Nasir attack.
Prosecutors allege that forces linked to the SPLM/A-IO and allied armed youth killed 257 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces soldiers, including a commander, and destroyed or seized military equipment valued at approximately $58 million during the assault.
The court adjourned the hearing to Monday, May 11, 2026, when Kang is expected to continue his defence.