South Sudan Chamber of Commerce Denies Unrecognized Leadership Claim
The South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSNCCIA) has issued a strong statement clarifying recent reports about a purported General Assembly meeting and the election of an “Interim Chairman,” dismissing them as illegitimate and unauthorized.
In a media statement released by Kur Nyok Deng, Secretary General of SSNCCIA, the organization emphasized that the meeting in question was neither authorized nor recognized by the lawful leadership of the Chamber. “This meeting was not authorized, not constitutional, and not recognized by the legitimate leadership of SSNCCIA,” Deng stated.
The Chamber’s leadership remains under the legitimate guidance of Hon. Losidik Lukak Legge, the recognized Chairperson. Deng explained, “His leadership did not arise by appointment or assumption of power but through a constitutional transition. According to our Constitution, the elected First Deputy Chairperson succeeds the Chairperson if the latter leaves the position, which is how Hon. Lukak lawfully assumed leadership following the departure of former Chairperson Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who was then engaged in a national assignment. This process was legal, orderly, and fully compliant with our governance framework.”
The statement further clarified that only the sitting Chairperson has the authority to convene and preside over General Assembly meetings. “No such meeting was called, endorsed, or chaired by the legitimate leadership of SSNCCIA,” Deng emphasized.
Regarding elections, the Chamber reaffirmed that the process follows a clear and inclusive framework that begins at the county level, progresses through the state chambers, and culminates at the national level. Any leadership declaration outside this established process is deemed unconstitutional and without legal standing.
“The gathering reported by Aweil News Agency was an unauthorized assembly of individuals acting outside the Chamber’s legal framework. Their actions do not reflect the position of SSNCCIA or the organized private sector,” the statement read. Deng warned that such actions could cause unnecessary confusion and divisions within the business community, especially during a period when unity and stability are crucial.
The Chamber urged stakeholders and the public to disregard any claims of leadership change stemming from this unauthorized assembly. “Engage only with the official and constitutionally recognized leadership of SSNCCIA,” Deng advised. “Any legitimate elections will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Chamber’s Constitution.”
Concluding, SSNCCIA reaffirmed its commitment to lawful governance, institutional order, reform, and safeguarding the interests of the private sector across South Sudan. “We remain dedicated to ensuring stability and unity within the business community,” the statement concluded.
