In South Sudan Whistleblowers Cite Deadly Mismanagement as Haysom Still Paid

In South Sudan Whistleblowers Cite Deadly Mismanagement as Haysom Still Paid by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack UN GATE / Juba, March 3  – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Consider South Sudan, where UN personnel stand accused of child rape on which UN spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming have refused all Press questions. On March 3 this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press: Dear Matthew Russell Lee, The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has effectively been left on autopilot. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), from South Africa, has confirmed that he will not return to the Mission due to health reasons. Nevertheless, he continues to manage this highly complex operation remotely from New York, far removed from the realities on the ground.  At a time when the Organization is seeking substantial financial contributions from donors, the silence of the UN management team regarding his replacement raises serious concerns about leadership accountability. The failure to appoint an active and present Head of Mission undermines operational effectiveness, staff morale, and confidence—particularly in the eyes of the host government.  Staff members are already experiencing work-related stress and significant psychological strain. The unplanned downsizing of lower-grade staff by senior management has further deepened uncertainty and anxiety within the Mission, leaving personnel feeling as though they are on a drifting vessel without a captain.  In this context, the Chief of Staff, Leda Limann, who also serves as a pastor and preacher within the UNMISS compound, oversaw the downsizing of the post of Mr. Patrick Augustino, a national staff member from South Sudan who is working in her office.  Upon learning on 2 January 2026 that his post had been abolished, Mr. Augustino reportedly experienced severe stress and sought support from senior leadership. He attempted to contact the SRSG in New York, but without success.  However, UNMISS Human Resources reportedly confirmed that Mr. Augustino’s post remains active. This raises serious questions as to why the Chief of Staff allegedly took unilateral action affecting his position. It is further concerning why Human Resources has remained silent if established posts are being altered or misused without proper authorization or transparency.  Without adequate institutional support to address his mental distress, he tragically attempted to take his own life. As is often the case in sensitive matters, no public announcement has been made inside the UN compound regarding his death. So sad to see the death of national staff while the main task of the mission is to support South Sudanese people.  Guterres, they say, should end censorship. Application was made on June 19, 2025, here. Six months later, a denial without any explanation. And for more than a month, nothing, no action, from the US Mission. Watch this site. *** Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron. Feedback: Editorial [at] innercitypress.com SDNY Press Room 500 Pearl Street, NY NY 10007 USA Mail: Box 130222, Chinatown Station, NY NY 10013 Reporter's mobile (and weekends): 718-716-3540 Other, earlier Inner City Press are listed here, and some are available in the ProQuest service, and now on Lexis-Nexis.  Copyright 2006-2025 Inner City Press, Inc. To request reprint or other permission, e-contact Editorial [at] innercitypress.com