The African National Congress (South Sudan) party has welcomed the step taken by the president to allow former officials in his office to stand trial in court for allegedly stealing millions of US dollars.

25 officials were detained last year on charges related to forging the signature of President Salva Kiir.

Some of them appeared in the court on Monday and Tuesday over the issue which led to the loss of more than $14 million.

The men are said to have stolen 30 million South Sudanese pounds, with the help of officials from the Central Bank and ministry of finance.

“The move by the president to take his supporting staff to court is really very rare in our country,” said Albino Akol Atak, ANC spokesperson.

Mr Atak added that it is a ‘good start towards eradication of corruption…in the republic of South Sudan’.

The accused will reappear in court tomorrow to answer the charges.