By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has assigned Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian to tackle the economic crisis facing the country.
This week On Thursday President Kiir appointed Athian Diing Athian as Minister of Finance and Planning.
Athian replaced Dr. Marial Dongrin, who has been battling the chaotic economic situation.
While South Sudanese pounds (SSP) continue to depreciate against other major currencies like United States dollars, the market prices continue to increase day and night.
This is in addition to delayed salaries for civil servants and organized forces, a move that has frustrated the worker force.
To worsen the situation, the country continues to experience a liquidity crisis.
With hope of bringing such a crisis to an end, President Salva Kiir has directed Athian Diing Athian, the Minister of Finance and Planning, to stabilize the economy.
The president made the directives on Friday during the swearing in of the newly appointed officials which was broadcaster on the state-owned broadcaster, the SSBC.
Kiir handed over the economy of the country to the minister, Athian, with hope to ensure stability.
“For my Minister of Finance and Planning (Athian Diing Athian), the economy of our country is in your hands. I expect you to stabilize it,” Kiir said.
Kiir reiterated a call for immediate payment of salaries without delay.
“Salaries must be paid on time; priorities must be funded, and wastage must end.” Kiir said
The head of state urged the Finance Minister to stabilize the economy and win back the trust from the public.
On his part, Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian promised to ensure that the economy is stabilized.
He assures the public to cooperate with the government, adding that his first priority is to stabilize the economy.
“My first priority now is to stabilize the economy,” he said.
The president also directed the Minister of investment to attract Foreign investment and ensure it translates into tangible development for the people of South Sudan.
The new officials are now tasked with turning policy into action to align with the president’s vision for national development.
The newly sworn-in officials are Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, Presidential Envoy on Special Programs; Joseph Mum Majak, Minister of Investment; and Athian Diing Athian, Minister of Finance and Planning.
However, President Salva Kiir continued and was quoted once saying that he continuously replaced officials as he looked for a person to tackle the economic situation.
Till now eyes are set on Minister Athian to deliver as expected or be shown the exit as per the president’s efforts toward economic stability.