Engineers to Sue ARC Over Prolonged Salary Delays After Failed Ultimatum

Engineers to Sue ARC Over Prolonged Salary Delays After Failed Ultimatum
December 22, 2025 – Juba

Engineers employed by Africa Resources Corporation (ARC), a major construction and engineering company associated with former Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, have announced their intention to initiate legal proceedings against the firm following months of unpaid salaries and benefits. The decision follows what the engineers describe as persistent unfulfilled promises by ARC management.
The move comes after the expiration of a three day ultimatum issued by the ARC Engineers’ Committee. The committee had demanded a clear payment timeline and a credible plan to address outstanding salary arrears. According to the engineers, ARC management failed to meet these conditions, leaving legal action as the only viable path.
“We were again given vague assurances, with no clear timeline and no credible payment plan,” said Jacob Reang Mayak, Chairperson of the ARC Engineers’ Committee. “Our members have reached a breaking point.”
Breakdown of Negotiations
The dispute was formally raised on 17 December 2025, when the committee submitted a written complaint to ARC management seeking clarification regarding delayed salaries and other employment benefits. The letter, the engineers explained, was intended to foster dialogue and prevent escalation.
A follow up meeting was held on 18 December between the engineers’ representatives and a management delegation appointed by the company’s managing director. However, the engineers report that the meeting yielded no concrete commitments or actionable payment schedule.
By 20 December, the ultimatum expired without any substantial response from the company. The committee subsequently announced that it would proceed with legal measures.
“ARC management failed to meet our request and failed to demonstrate good faith,” the committee said in a statement. “We are therefore left with no option but to pursue this matter through the courts.”
The engineers indicated that legal proceedings are expected to commence on Monday, 22 December.
Company Under Public Scrutiny
ARC is a prominent actor in South Sudan’s construction and civil engineering sector, overseeing major infrastructure and development projects. Its association with Dr. Bol Mel—currently the Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster—has often placed the company under increased political and public oversight.
Despite this, the engineers emphasized that their decision to pursue legal action is purely based on economic hardship and the need to safeguard workers’ rights, rather than any political motivation.
“We respectfully call upon the government of South Sudan to cooperate with and support this lawful process,” the committee said, describing the issue as an important test of labor protections and the rule of law.
Call for Calm and Unity
The engineers urged their colleagues and family members to remain calm and unified as the matter progresses through legal channels.
“Many of our colleagues and their families have endured prolonged economic hardship as a result of these delays,” Eng. Mayak stated. “We ask them to remain patient as we pursue this matter through lawful means.”
In a final appeal, the committee urged ARC management to immediately settle the outstanding salary arrears and take the issue seriously to avoid further legal and reputational consequences.
As of the time of publication, ARC Resources Corporation had not issued any public statement addressing the engineers’ announcement or the forthcoming legal action.