By Yiep Joseph
The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has announced plans to supply additional physical cash to commercial banks to ease the liquidity crisis that has made it difficult for citizens to access their money.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting on Tuesday between BoSS officials and managing directors of commercial banks.
The meeting focused on addressing persistent cash shortages in the banking sector.
According to a statement from the Bank of South Sudan, the discussions centered on coordinated interventions to stabilise liquidity, among other measures
“The Governor of the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS), Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian, held a high-level meeting with managing directors of commercial banks to address liquidity challenges affecting the banking sector,” the statement read in part.
BoSS said the meeting agreed on measures to improve access to cash for depositors and salary earners, while reaffirming the government’s directive that citizens must have uninterrupted access to their funds.
The bank confirmed plans to inject additional cash into commercial banks, though it did not disclose the exact amount.
“In a joint statement, Majok Nikodemo Arou, Director of Communication and Public Relations at BoSS, announced the allocation of cash to commercial banks to enhance liquidity levels and improve access for depositors and salary earners,” the statement added.
Nikodemo said the move is part of broader efforts between BoSS and commercial banks to restore normal cash flow and stabilise liquidity conditions across the financial system.
The South Sudan Bankers Association (SSBA) welcomed the intervention, with Chairperson Bruna Cirisio expressing readiness to coordinate with BoSS and member banks to improve cash availability.
South Sudan has sometimes faced frequent cash shortages, with long queues reported outside banks and limited availability of physical currency in circulation.
The situation is largely attributed to a combination of factors, including constrained oil revenues, high government expenditure pressures, weak fiscal discipline, and disruptions in financial flows that affect liquidity in the banking system.
At times, commercial banks have struggled to meet customer withdrawal demands, forcing many citizens to rely on mobile money or informal cash markets where premiums are often charged for access to physical cash.
The cash shortages have also been worsened by inflationary pressures and reduced confidence in the banking system, contributing to periodic public frustration and calls for stronger monetary management.
BoSS officials have in the past pledged reforms to stabilise the financial sector, including improving liquidity management and strengthening coordination with commercial banks.
The latest intervention is seen as part of ongoing efforts to restore public confidence and ensure smoother access to cash across the country.
The Tuesday meeting was attended by BoSS Deputy Governor for Administration and Finance, Weituy Luony Babuoth, alongside senior directors and officials from the central bank.