The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has welcomed a delegation from the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission (SSACC) for a benchmarking visit aimed at strengthening efforts to combat corruption and economic crimes.

In a statement shared by the ODPP on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the delegation, led by SSACC Deputy Board Chairperson Samuel Jock Bany Mading, is in Kenya to study the country’s approach to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange insights and explore best practices for tackling financial misconduct.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today hosted a delegation from the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission (SS-ACC), led by Hon. Samuel Jock Bany Mading, the Deputy Board Chairperson of SS-ACC. The delegation is currently in the country for a benchmarking exercise aimed at gaining insights into the investigation and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes cases,” the statement read in part.

ODPP Hosts South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission Delegation for Benchmarking Exercise

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today hosted a delegation from the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission (SS-ACC), led by Hon. Samuel Jock Bany Mading, the Deputy… pic.twitter.com/EGnxtKZr8s

— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) March 19, 2025

The ODPP reported that during discussions, both sides highlighted the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach in the fight against corruption, given that many economic crimes extend beyond national borders. Kenya and South Sudan emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation to effectively address corruption and promote accountability.

“The discussion emphasized the need for a coordinated and concerted approach to tackling corruption, given that such crimes are often transnational. They acknowledged the importance of joint efforts between Kenya and South Sudan to effectively address the menace of corruption in both nations,” the ODPP added.

Peace talks

This comes as Kenya is at the forefront of peace talks in South Sudan, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability. Under President William Ruto, Nairobi has become a key mediation hub, hosting high-level negotiations involving South Sudanese leaders and international partners.

With support from IGAD, the United Nations, and the African Union, Kenya is actively advocating for the full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. These efforts are geared toward ending conflict, addressing humanitarian concerns, and enhancing regional trade.

On May 9, 2024, Kenya launched the Tumaini Initiative, a high-level mediation process designed to engage South Sudanese holdout groups that have yet to sign the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The 2018 accord was intended to bring an end to South Sudan’s devastating five-year civil war, which resulted in the loss of over 400,000 lives. The Tumaini Initiative was established following a request from South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, who sought President Ruto’s leadership in revitalizing mediation efforts after talks in Rome, facilitated by the Community of Sant’Egidio, reached an impasse.