By Deng Ghai Deng
Eighty-three job applicants have issued a formal notice of intent to sue the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS), alleging discriminatory and unfair recruitment practices.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice Ruben Madol Arol Kachuol, the group, led by Mr. John Mangol Majier, claimed they were successful candidates following interviews conducted by the bank on July 3, 2023.
According to the letter dated July 19, 2024, the applicants, all South Sudanese adults, claim they met the necessary qualifications for employment.
The applicants accused the Bank of South Sudan of re-advertising positions that had previously been filled through a transparent interview process conducted earlier in 2023.
They alleged that despite meeting the required marks, they were excluded from subsequent stages of the recruitment process, causing emotional distress and financial harm.
The dispute centers on recruitment procedures that allegedly favored other candidates. The complainants claimed that after initially passing the aptitude test conducted by ShimaHR Limited, they were subsequently sidelined during a follow-up interview process managed by Bridge Employment Solutions in July 2024.
“My clients (83 successful candidates for 2023 interview) are excluded, discriminated and ignored on unreasonable grounds that have caused them emotional distress and financial harm,” the letter stated.
The applicants are seeking urgent legal intervention to halt the ongoing recruitment process, including an upcoming oral interview scheduled for July 22, 2024.
They also requested legal advice be provided to the Bank of South Sudan to ensure their right to equal employment opportunities is respected.
Should their demands not be met, the letter warned of potential legal action seeking compensatory and punitive damages against the Bank of South Sudan.
Gabriel Kuot Akok Deng, advocate and legal consultant representing the applicants, verified the contents of the letter, asserting its accuracy based on records maintained by the complainants.
“Yes, it is [letter] from my office, I just served the minister on Friday, I served Bank of South Sudan this morning with the copy and the other relevant institutions. I am expecting a decision to be out within 7 working days,” Kuot confirmed to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has not yet responded to the letter.