Introduction and Overview
South Sudan’s fragile peace remains under constant threat, not only from armed conflict but also from entrenched corruption. Since independence in 2011, government institutions have been plagued by mismanagement and theft of public resources. Billions of dollars in oil revenues have vanished, leaving little for development or reconstruction.

Corruption undermines peacebuilding by fuelling grievances, weakening institutions, and depriving citizens of basic services. As peace agreements falter and communities remain divided, the pervasive culture of corruption blocks genuine reconciliation and stability.

This article explores how corruption shapes South Sudan’s conflict dynamics, the impact on citizens, and the urgent need for reform.


Corruption and the State
The political elite in South Sudan has long treated state institutions as tools for personal enrichment. Key ministries, security forces, and local administrations are riddled with patronage networks. Public jobs and resources are allocated based on loyalty rather than merit.

Oil, the country’s main source of revenue, has been siphoned off into private accounts. Investigations suggest that senior officials have diverted billions, while ordinary South Sudanese face hunger and displacement.

This systemic corruption erodes trust in the state, leaving citizens to view government not as a provider of services but as a source of exploitation.


Impact on Peacebuilding
Peacebuilding efforts are directly hampered by corruption. Funds meant for implementing the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement are mismanaged or stolen. Programmes for demobilising soldiers, reintegrating child soldiers, and supporting displaced persons lack resources due to embezzlement.

Corruption also fuels insecurity. Commanders exploit state resources to build private militias, while weapons purchased with public funds are diverted into black markets. Communities that see elites enriching themselves while neglecting basic services often turn to violence to assert their rights.

The cycle of corruption and conflict ensures that peace remains fragile and fleeting.


Humanitarian and Social Consequences
For ordinary South Sudanese, corruption translates into empty schools, broken hospitals, and unpaid salaries. Despite vast oil wealth, infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and humanitarian needs are immense.

Displaced families often see aid diverted before it reaches them. Local officials, seeking bribes or favours, manipulate food distribution lists or resell supplies. These abuses deepen inequality and exacerbate tensions among communities.

Corruption also undermines reconciliation. Communities that experience marginalisation due to corrupt governance are less likely to trust peace processes dominated by elites.


Accountability, Reform, and Conclusion
Tackling corruption is essential to South Sudan’s survival as a functioning state. Without reform, peacebuilding efforts will remain cosmetic, failing to address the structural drivers of conflict.

Key steps include:
- Accountability: investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases, ending impunity.
- Transparent revenue management: establish independent oversight of oil revenues and public spending.
- Institutional reform: strengthen the judiciary, audit offices, and anti-corruption commissions.
- Civic empowerment: support civil society and journalists to expose corruption without fear of retaliation.
- International support: link financial aid to anti-corruption benchmarks.

Until South Sudan confronts corruption head-on, peace will remain elusive. By stealing the resources needed for stability, corruption is not just an economic issue but a central obstacle to building a peaceful, just, and united nation.