A South Sudanese playboy has been exposed for spending opulently on private jets, luxury hotels and first-class lifestyle, all at the same time claiming he's trying to help his ailing country.
In an anti-corruption investigation, which is backed by George Clooney, against Lawrence Lual Malong Yor Jnr., it has shown how he has boasted and lived the high life while the people in his country are suffering from endemic poverty and starvation.
Advert
The report backed by George Clooney said that Mr Lual Jnr. had used his political connections to court investors and lead a life of luxury far removed from South Sudan's conflict. Image credit: PA
He has continued to flaunt his extravagant lifestyle on social media, despite being publicly named and heavily criticised in the report, reports the Daily Mail.
Lual Jnr. is the stepson of Gen Paul Malong, South Sudan's army chief who is accused of complicity in widespread atrocities committed during the country's bloody two-year civil strife from December 2103 to August 2015.
Advert
Gen Malong, as the chief of staff of the government-controlled Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), has been implicated in numerous atrocities. He has been accused by the United Nations of presiding over mass killings, rapes and the recruitment of child soldiers.
The effects of war. Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA
With no background in business, it is alleged that Lual Jnr's high-flying lifestyle is funded by his stepfather. It is reported that Lual Jnr had been entrusted by his government to attract investors to mine the country's bountiful (and until now largely untapped) gold, diamond and oil supplies.
Advert
In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: "It doesn't make any difference, I'm a normal businessman. I don't use the name Malong - there's no influence at all.
"I'm blessed to have these opportunities because no one is competing with me in South Sudan.
"You can get gold, diamond concessions because no one is competing with you. There is a lot of opportunities."
However, the report investigating Lual Snr. disagrees. It suggested that Lual Jnr. had used his political connections to court investors and lead a life of luxury far removed from South Sudan's conflict, which has left as many as 300,000 people dead, 2.3 million people displaced, and 5.1 million people in need of food aid.
Advert
He has also said that he aspired to one day become president of South Sudan.
He has actually claimed that his wealth and lifestyle has resulted from the act of God and nothing to do with knowing people in high places.
"If people put the gun down and pray to Almighty God it can happen for them too - he will open for you a door," he said.
Advert
And his excuse as to why he must turn left on every international flight? "I must advertise myself to attract investors." he claims. "If I fly economy then I can't interest anyone, they will run away from me. I need to fly first class."
Despite the allegations against him, Lual Jnr. continues insists he is a 'peace advocate'. He probably said that in one of his many brightly coloured suits.
Right, got it. As long as your conscience is clear mate.
Featured image credit: Twitter/@njooro
Featured Image Credit: