By Yiep Joseph
Fresh calls for an audit have emerged amid ongoing leadership wrangles within the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSCCIA) and its branches.
The disputes began following an attempted impeachment of Lado Lukak, the long-serving chairperson of the national chamber. However, after intervention by the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Lukak was reinstated and is expected to serve until 2027, when elections are scheduled to take place.
The leadership wrangles have since spread to the Juba City Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
In a related development, Marcello Swaka was reinstated as Chairperson through a court order issued by the Juba High Court. Meanwhile, Robert Pitia, Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, and his group have also claimed this leadership position, further deepening the dispute.
As the wrangles continue within the institutions mandated to represent and advocate for the business community, the underlying causes of the conflicts remain unclear.
The Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital link between the business community and the government. It is expected to advocate for improved business laws, fair tax policies, and sound trade regulations.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Marcello Swaka Chairpreson of Juba City Chamber of Commerce called for a comprehensive audit of the chamber’s financial records.
Swaka, who has been accused by Robert Pitia of misusing funds during his previous term in office, strongly denied the allegations.
According to Swaka, he did not steal or misuse any funds, as claimed.
He further alleged that some leaders within the chamber have overstayed in office beyond their mandates.
Swaka emphasized that auditing is the most appropriate way to establish the truth regarding allegations of financial mismanagement in public institutions, particularly within the chamber.
He called for audits to be conducted at the Juba City Chamber of Commerce, the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, and the National Chamber of Commerce.
“If there are rumors that some people have misused funds, let auditors be brought in to audit the Juba City Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“Let there be auditing in the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, and let auditing also be carried out in the National Chamber of Commerce,” he added.
Swaka rejected all accusations leveled against him concerning misuse of funds and urged traders to focus on their businesses despite the ongoing leadership disputes.
“I urge the traders in Juba City to focus on their businesses and consider the socio-economic situation of citizens when setting profit margins, so families can afford their daily basic needs,” he said.
He also called on the public to respect the court’s decision reinstating him as chairperson.
“I appeal to the public and the business community to disregard misinformation and recognize the decision of the Juba High Court in this matter. The Juba City Chamber leadership will continue to operate under its legal mandate and remain committed to transparency and the rule of law,” Swaka stated.
He affirmed that his leadership remains committed to fulfilling its duties in accordance with the law.