6 February 2014 - A South Sudanese anti-corruption official today urged government crisis management committees in to be transparent and accountable with funds for the country’s displaced.

“It is important that our leaders … must act responsibly,” Central Equatoria State Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Emmanuel Khamis Richard told UN Radio Miraya.

“Individuals tasked with crisis management should not use the money collected or donated for the affected population for personal benefits,” he said.

Almost 750,000 people have been displaced in a conflict between anti- and pro-government forces that broke out in the capital Juba on 15 December and spread to several other states.

When a country was undergoing serious crisis, loopholes could be created for “getting rich quick”, the chairperson said. “It is very clear that you cannot trust each and everyone. This is the right time to put our house in order.”

Asked whether he feared something would happen to money for the displaced, Mr. Richard said human hearts could always be tempted.

“You must know that you are handling crisis that has actually cost … the lives and people and their properties,” he said, appealing to committee members. “There is no reason for you to … take that money that is supposed to be used to help displaced persons.”

Questioned about an order the government had issued on 4 February to investigate a corruption case in the Kajokeji County health department involving 33,000 Sudanese pounds, he said it would take effect immediately.

“All committee members mentioned in the order are aware of the assignment and have already embarked … on operations to see that we move immediately on the ground,” he said.

He called on parties involved in the case to restrain from disturbing any information the committee needed for the case.

“Nobody should worry and predetermine the outcome of these investigations,” Mr. Richard said. “We’ll carry it out with honesty and we’ll ensure that justice prevails at the end of it.”