By Alan Clement
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has convened a consultative meeting with Vice President for Economic Cluster Benjamin Bol Mel and sector officials.
Among other key officials attending the meeting were Athian Ding Athian, Minister of Finance and Planning, and Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, the governor of the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS)
According to the statement from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), the meeting discusses possible means of addressing economic challenges.
“The meeting focused on the prevailing economic challenges facing the nation and explored strategies to revive, stabilize, and strengthen South Sudan’s economy,” the statement partly read.
The country continues to face a liquidity crisis as well as the depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) against other major currencies like the United States dollar (USD).
As a result, the commodities’ prices continue to hike in the market, making it hard for most of the citizens to afford essential needs.
In order to reach effective decisions in resolving such challenges, eyes are set on the head of state, the Vice President for Economic Cluster, and the two officials in paving the way.
According to the statement, the meeting also deliberated on necessary preparations ahead of the forthcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings.
During this annual meeting the country is expected to seek support for its ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms.
Based on the statement, the leaders reiterate efforts in restoring economic stability.
“This engagement reflects the government’s determination to restore economic stability, build investor confidence, and foster sustainable growth for the benefit of all South Sudanese people,” it read.
In line with the institutional coordination toward addressing economic challenges, President Kiir and the top officials for the economic cluster vow to work hand in hand.
“The leadership reaffirmed its collective commitment to implementing sound economic policies and reforms, enhancing national resilience against shocks, and presenting a unified strategy for effective engagement with international financial institutions,” it read.
The president and the cluster’s officials crafted a unified national strategy ahead of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
The Presidential Press Unit stressed that presenting a unified strategy is critical to securing international support.
The consultative session comes amid growing calls for transparency, fiscal discipline, and institutional reform as South Sudan navigates a fragile economic recovery.
As part of its reform agenda, the government is expected to present proposals on public financial management, monetary policy coordination, and debt sustainability, key areas identified by both the IMF and World Bank in previous assessments.
The leadership’s unified stance signals a shift toward coordinated economic governance, with stakeholders pledging to strengthen institutional capacity and improve policy implementation ahead of the global financial summit.
After the appointment, President Kiir assigned Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian to tackle the economic crisis facing the country.
Athian replaced Dr. Marial Dongrin, who has been battling the chaotic economic situation.
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 during the swearing-in of the newly appointed officials, which was broadcast on the state-owned broadcaster, the SSBC.
“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.
On his part, Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian promised to ensure that the economy is stabilized.
He urges 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.
However, till now the country continues to face serious financial challenges.