Government Intensifies Revenue Transparency and Economic Reform Drive

By Roselyn Oboy

The High-Level Ministerial Committee on Economic Reform has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s economic reform directives following its fourth meeting held on Monday at the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation and Rapporteur of the Committee, Hon. James Mawich Makuach, said members reviewed resolutions adopted during the previous meeting and assessed progress on the implementation framework for the President’s directives.

“The ministerial committee has done tremendous work in developing the implementation modalities of the order issued by His Excellency the President,” Makuach said.

He commended the subcommittee responsible for preparing the implementation matrix, describing its work as a significant step toward ensuring the reforms are carried out effectively.

Makuach also praised the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Ambassador Muon Deng Ajuet, for promptly assessing the implementation of the presidential order at the Nimule border, saying the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to enforcing the reforms.

“We congratulate the Commissioner General for his bold decision to immediately assess the implementation of the order at the Nimule border. This demonstrates the committee’s commitment to ensuring the reforms are implemented effectively,” he said.

According to Makuach, the committee, chaired by Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol, remains committed to ensuring that the President’s directives are implemented “in letter and spirit”.

The committee also adopted several resolutions and established subcommittees to accelerate implementation. One subcommittee, led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has been tasked with providing legal opinions on matters related to unlawful tax exemptions.

Makuach said the presidential order is now in effect and urged the public and all stakeholders to cooperate with the implementation teams.

“The order is now effective. We are asking the public to cooperate and coordinate with this important team so that together we can ensure these reforms succeed and help strengthen our economy,” he said.

The High-Level Ministerial Committee on Economic Reform was established to oversee the implementation of key government measures aimed at improving domestic revenue collection, enhancing transparency, and advancing economic reforms across South Sudan.