President Kiir orders Finance Ministry to pay civil servants’ arrears

By Editorial Team.

South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir Mayardit has ordered the newly appointed Finance Minster Agak Acuil Lual to pay civil servants’ arrears.

“If you pay salaries of civil servants and organized forces monthly and clear all their arrears you will not only be helping yourself but also me and the people of South Sudan.” Said president Kiir on Saturday.

The president’s statement came after the swearing in ceremony of the newly appointed officials which included, Agak Acuil Lual as Finance Minister, Agak replaced Athian Ding Athian, Gen. Mahmoud Solomon Agok came in government as Interior Minister replacing Paul Mayom Alec.

President Kiir also warned the incoming officials against allowing corruption to continue under their watch.

South Sudan’s civil servants have been going for months without salaries amid rising inflation.

The government claims it’s broke due to long years of civil war, the negative effects of the COVID-19 and a global fall in oil prices.

The resultant inflation from years of violence have pushed prices of basic goods beyond the reach of many.

President Kiir’s major response to the economic doldrums has always been replacing finance ministers.