South Sudan spends millions on cars, homes instead of peace

JUBA, South Sudan – Documents seen by The Associated Press show that South Sudan's committee overseeing the fragile transition from civil war has approved almost $185 million in spending on vehicles, food and home renovations while the country's peace deal suffers from an alleged lack of funds.

As the East African nation emerges from a five-year conflict that killed almost 400,000 people and displaced millions, experts warn the government's lack of financial transparency will gut the confidence of international donors being encouraged to donate to the peace transition fund.

The internal government documents show that on Nov. 5, two months after warring parties signed the peace deal, the committee that includes government and opposition representatives authorized payments for 1,000 vehicles and food including 50,000 tons of sorghum to be delivered to the capital, Juba.