South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) on Saturday postponed the hearing regarding the $1.05 billion debt owed by South Sudan’s government following protests in Tanzania.
The defence attorney for tycoon Ayii Duang Ayii, Wani Santino Jada, stated that the court postponed the session due to the ongoing political situation in Tanzania, the host country.
“The court session could not proceed due to the ongoing political situation in the host country, Tanzania, which is currently experiencing widespread demonstrations and an internet shutdown related to the general election,” Wani said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Wani mentioned that a new date for the hearing will be issued and announced by the court’s registrar in due course.
He expressed frustration over the continued failure of the legal representatives for the Government of South Sudan to attend the court session.
“Compounding this absence, the Respondent State has reportedly not filed a single defence document.”
Hundreds protested on Wednesday in Tanzania’s largest city, tearing down banners of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and burning a police station, as the East African country went to the polls in elections where the main challengers have either been jailed or barred from standing.
The case was filed on April 8, 2025, by South Sudan Supreme Airlines Co. Ltd, which accuses the National Ministry of Finance and Planning of breaching a binding settlement agreement signed on February 13, 2025.
The national airline, owned by business tycoon Ayii Duang Ayii, is represented by Pan African Law Chambers LLP, a Juba-based law firm.
The agreement, signed by representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, acknowledges a total debt of $1,053,936,749.85 owed to South Sudan Supreme Airlines for services and obligations delivered, with an additional 10% legal fee payable to the law firm.
Under the settlement, the South Sudanese government was required to begin repayment in 24 monthly instalments starting February 28, 2025, but no payments have been made to date.
The lack of action prompted the applicant to seek redress at the regional court based in Arusha, Tanzania.
The South Sudanese Ministry of Justice was served with a court letter on April 9, requiring a response within 45 days.
However, the ministry, represented by the attorney general, failed to file a response.
The case, registered as Reference No. 16 of 2025, names the Attorney General of South Sudan as the respondent, acting on behalf of the government.
