Cabinet affairs minister Martin Elia Lomuro who is being accused of diverting $350,000 meant to promote national dialogue in Yei has denied the accusation.

“Which money? Check your sources. I did not handle any money. That money they are talking about on social media was meant for the local peace initiative and all have succeeded,” Elia said when reached by media.

“The peace deal which has been reached with the SPLM-IO faction in Yei was the work of the local community that needed support and that was what the government has done. That money which is being talked about was used for that purpose and now there is peace. It was taken from the peace budget,” he explained.

Multiple sources claimed that the minister was directly involved in the withdrawal of the money approved by Kiir. They also accused him personally of misappropriating the funds.