by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
UN GATE, Oct 5 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? While its UNMISS Mission steals a radio station and land by the Juba airport, it stands by as Riek Machar is disappeared - South Sudan and UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. This, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:
Dear Matthew Russell Lee,
Recent staff meetings on downsizing and workforce reductions have left many personnel unsettled, following remarks by the Chief of Staff, Ms. Leda Liman. Known to some as “Pastor Leda” for delivering religious sermons in South Sudan and beyond, Ms. Liman advised staff to “stop worrying about uncertainties and sleep well at night — management is paid higher to make those decisions.”
Staff have expressed concern that such remarks appear insensitive and fail to acknowledge the serious impact restructuring could have on their livelihoods. Many also question Ms. Liman’s suitability for her role, noting her rapid progression from P-3 to D-2 without leaving the mission, and reports that she is now rostered as DSRSG after expecting to succeed Mr. Cong in a senior post or to get in other duty stations.
Further unease surrounds alleged favoritism and irregular promotions within the Mission. Ms. Liman has reportedly recruited and promoted close associates, including her godson, Kwame Akoto-Danso, who advanced from P-2 to P-4 without open competition. With the SRSG absent and focused on medical care, Ms. Liman is seen as exercising significant authority with limited oversight — while those connected to her appear shielded from the restructuring process. The Director of Mission Support (DMS), Victoria Browning whose mandate should include safeguarding transparency — is perceived as reluctant to intervene.
Having arrived from Geneva to UNMISS as a P-5 as a secondment and later obtaining a D-2 post with support from former SRSG David Shearer, the DMS’s own contract renewal reportedly depends on the Chief of Staff’s approval. Budget restrictions that should have required her return to Geneva were reportedly bypassed with support from Ms. Martha Helena Lopez’s office in New York, extending her assignment until December and now possibly until June, raising questions about conflicts of interest and misusing the budgets.
Operationally, several key decisions are reportedly shaped by Mr. Aggrey Kedogo, promoted from P-4 to D-1 under the influence of senior allies who misuse him for irregular activities. Many staff perceive this as fostering a “scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” culture, with links to decision-makers in New York - and ultimately to Guterres.
Meanwhile, Ms. Liman’s public sermons have also raised eyebrows.
Guterres, they say, should end censorship. Application was made on June 19, 2025. Still as of September 30 no answer at all from Melissa Fleming or Stephane Dujarric. Totally corrupt. Watch this site.
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