The South Sudan Council of Ministers on Friday passed the “Anti-Money Laundering Bill 2024” and sanctioned its transmittal to Parliament for passage.
Addressing reporters in Juba after the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said:
“The Bill titled ‘Anti-Money Laundering and Counterterrorism Financing Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2024’, was presented by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Justice Ruben Madol Arol.”
Makuei explained that the aim of the bill is to combat terrorism and target those who finance it.
He further stated that, after deliberations, the bill was passed and will be presented to Parliament for consideration.
“Money laundering is not rampant (in South Sudan), but we are taking the necessary protective measures; we are part of this world, and if we are part of this world, then definitely there could be people who are operating businesses here in South Sudan, and they are doing the same,” he said.
Makuei also mentioned that the Justice Minister presented the “Vehicle Load Control Bill 2024”, which regulates the loading of vehicles.
He highlighted the challenges faced by South Sudan in terms of loading vehicles in the absence of this bill.
Separately, Minister Makuei stated that the cabinet listened to a presentation from the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Josephine Joseph Lagu, on revitalizing the South Sudan Food Security Council.
He noted that President Kiir had issued a presidential order for the establishment of a Food Security Council in 2008, but it was not operationalized.
“The South Sudan Food Security Council is a body that is supposed to make reserves.
“It is supposed to buy food from the farmers and preserve them for unforeseen situations.
“This is not currently in place, but with the establishment of this council, we will encourage the people of South Sudan to produce more food,” he declared.
ALSO READ: Tragic collision: 21 lives lost, 38 injured as bus, tanker crash in Afghanistan