FATF status

South Sudan is on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Latest FATF Statement - 25 October 2024

Since June 2021, when South Sudan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime, South Sudan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by disseminating the results of their recently completed NRA to all stakeholders. South Sudan should continue to work to implement its action plan, including by: (1) finalising its comprehensive review of the AML/CFT Act (2012) to comply with the FATF Standards; (2) fully implementing the 1988 Vienna Convention, the 2000 Palermo Convention, and the 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention; (3) ensuring that competent authorities are suitably structured and capacitated to implement a risk-based approach to AML/CFT supervision for financial institutions; (4) developing a comprehensive legal framework to collect and verify the accuracy of beneficial ownership information for legal persons; (5) finalising the operationalisation of a fully functioning and independent FIU; (6) establishing and implementing the legal and institutional framework to implement targeted financial sanctions in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions on terrorism and WMD proliferation financing; and (7) commencing implementation of targeted risk-based supervision/monitoring of NPOs at risk of TF abuse.

The FATF notes South Sudan’s limited progress across its action plan with all deadlines now expired and work remaining. The FATF again encourages South Sudan to continue to implement its action plan to address the above-mentioned strategic deficiencies as soon as possible and demonstrate strong political and institutional commitment to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime, particularly in supporting the lead AML/CFT agency in coordinating national AML/CFT efforts.

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

South Sudan has not yet undertaken a Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.

South Sudan has established laws to combat corruption, yet enforcement is nearly nonexistent, leading to its ranking as the world's most corrupt country in 2021 and second most corrupt in 2022. Politically connected individuals often evade prosecution, and there is a lack of internal controls among private companies to prevent bribery. The Southern Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission is underfunded and lacks the authority to prosecute, resulting in minimal action against corruption despite the existence of relevant legislation.

South Sudan's economy is heavily reliant on oil revenue, which accounts for the vast majority of its income, with approximately $1.6 billion generated annually. However, the economy suffers from endemic corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency, particularly in the oil sector, which has led to significant risks for businesses. The transitional government has made little progress on essential reforms, and the absence of a stable legal and regulatory framework further complicates the investment climate.

The investment climate in South Sudan remains challenging due to a lack of significant improvements in trade and investment conditions, compounded by endemic corruption and a slow pace of political reform. The absence of critical mechanisms for business operations, such as a functional judicial system and transparent financial management, increases risks for investors, while the oil sector, which dominates the economy, is plagued by mismanagement and lack of transparency. Additionally, foreign investors face bureaucratic hurdles, unfair practices, and the necessity of local partnerships, which complicate the investment landscape.