07/10/2026
‘I AM NOT A THIEF’: BAK BARNABA BREAKS SILENCE OVER NIMULE INCIDENT, SEEKS TO CLEAR HIS NAME
JUBA, October 7, 2026 — Former South Sudan Finance Minister Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol has spoken publicly about the dramatic Nimule incident that left him injured, seeking to clear his name from allegations and public suspicion that he was attempting to flee the country after his dismissal.
For months, the incident has fueled speculation among members of the public, with reports at the time alleging that Bak was attempting to cross into Uganda carrying a large amount of cash. Security sources told several media outlets that he was intercepted near the Nimule–Elegu border on February 27, 2026.
But speaking during thanksgiving prayers at his residence following his recovery, Bak gave a different account, insisting that he was neither a wanted man nor a thief and had no warrant of arrest against him.
“No warrant of arrest was issued against me. I was given permission to go to Germany by a high office. I didn’t steal any money from an individual or the government,” Bak said.
‘I JUMPED OUT OF PANIC’
According to Bak, the situation at the border became frightening when soldiers began searching travellers and he attempted to identify himself.
He said the confrontation escalated when one of the soldiers appeared to c**k or prepare his fi***rm, leaving him fearing for his immediate safety.
Bak said he reacted instinctively and jumped into the river.
“I jumped out of panic,” he explained.
The incident resulted in a serious injury to his foot/ankle. His account contrasts with reports published at the time that described the incident as an attempted escape into Uganda.
Bak also said he had already paid about US$2,400 for his ticket to Germany and was concerned about losing the money.
ARRESTED, THEN RELEASED
Bak was detained following the incident and spent nearly two months in detention.
A later report said sources familiar with the investigation indicated that he was released after authorities found no evidence linking him to corruption, while also stating that there was no known warrant against him.
The government had initially said the arrests of Bak and other senior officials were connected to alleged financial irregularities, although civil society groups called for due process and proper investigations.
Bak now says the episode was an unfortunate chain of events that badly damaged his reputation.
He also revealed that some of the soldiers involved later visited him and sought forgiveness.
“They are here today and they have asked for forgiveness, and I have forgiven them,” he said.
REMINDING SOUTH SUDAN OF HIS RECORD
As he attempts to put the Nimule episode behind him, Bak has also pointed to his record at the Ministry of Finance.
During his tenure, he publicly made economic stabilisation, payment of salaries and public financial management key priorities. His February 2026 economic programme specifically highlighted salary payments, fiscal discipline, revenue collection and efforts to stabilise the currency.
Supporters of the former minister argue that his contribution should not be judged solely through the dramatic images from Nimule, but also through his work at the Finance Ministry.
Among the achievements attributed to his tenure are efforts to stabilise the exchange rate, facilitate payment of civil servants and organised forces, and address the welfare of wounded veterans.
His ministry also worked on salary payments and arrears for government employees and organised forces; official budget documents from his earlier tenure show that salary payments and public-sector financial management were major priorities.
The question of the exact exchange rate and the reported increase in soldiers' salaries from SSP 3,000 to SSP 30,000 would require additional official documentation before being presented as independently verified achievements.
For Bak, however, the message from his latest appearance is clear: he wants the public to look beyond the Nimule incident and judge him by the totality of his record in public service.
The former minister's story remains controversial because the original circumstances of his detention generated conflicting accounts. But his latest remarks represent his most direct attempt to explain what happened — and to redeem his reputation in the eyes of South Sudanese who came to believe he had fled because of financial wrongdoing.
Copied from Local media
