Mr. Taban Paride, National Youth Union Chairperson - Courtesy

National Youth Union Chairperson Taban Paride has called on the government to strengthen the protection of young South Sudanese entrepreneurs, warning that intimidation by foreign companies risks undermining local investment and job creation.

The call follows alleged threats directed at a 33-year-old businessman over the installation of locally manufactured electricity poles. Paride claimed that a foreign company attempted to halt the entrepreneur’s operations and threatened him directly.

“Why would a foreigner come from somewhere to threaten?” Paride asked, questioning why foreign entities are permitted to intimidate local investors who contribute to the economy.

Speaking to online media, Paride recounted a recent visit to the businessman’s office, where he observed dozens of young people receiving their payments.

He noted that the entrepreneur operates multiple ventures, including a commercial cleaning company and a new facility equipped to manufacture eco-friendly paper bags aimed at reducing plastic waste.

“When I went to this young entrepreneur office yesterday. I saw the youth lining up,” Paride said. “I said, are these people coming for interview? He said, no, they are coming for their payment.”

Paride emphasized that local business owners who create employment and innovate to address national challenges deserve state support rather than interference.

“This kind of a person needs protection as a country. He’s doing a lot for the country,” Paride added, stating he remains prepared to intervene directly if the alleged harassment continues.

The Youth Union chairperson urged authorities to establish a secure environment where young entrepreneurs can expand their enterprises without fear of illegal pressure.

The allegations remain independently unverified, and the foreign company accused of making the threats has not issued a public statement.

The youth leader’s warnings come amidst heightened scrutiny over the challenges local investors face when navigating disputes with foreign business partners.

In a separate, high-profile corporate battle in Juba, South Sudanese majority shareholder John Lual Bang has faced systemic execution hurdles while attempting to enforce court orders against his foreign business partners.

Bang, who holds a 50 percent stake in A&B Energy Limited (incorporated in 2018 alongside four Kenyan-Somali co-investors), alleges that his partners secretly formed a parallel entity—TIC SOM General Trading—to siphon corporate assets, divert cash flows, and lock him out of the enterprise.

Despite explicit judicial directives from the bench to freeze operations and seal fuel assets now operating under TIC SOM and G Oil, court bailiffs attempting to execute the injunctions have encountered political gridlock and non-compliance.

Paride emphasized that whether through corporate asset diversion or direct operational interference, entrepreneurs who create employment deserve state support and legal protection rather than intimidation.