By Sabri Dibaco
Civil society activists have called for economic reforms, arguing that changes in leadership at the Bank of South Sudan alone will not resolve the country’s persistent financial challenges.
The calls came after President Salva Kiir urged urgent reforms at the Bank of South Sudan to address the country’s worsening economic situation.
While many citizens welcomed the president’s concerns, they emphasised that sustainable economic recovery requires stronger institutions, sound financial policies, and strict enforcement of laws governing public finances.
In an exclusive interview with the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Emmanuel Juma said that meaningful reforms should focus on strengthening financial systems, improving accountability, regulating the foreign exchange market, and rebuilding public confidence in the banking sector.
Juma argued that replacing officials without addressing systemic weaknesses would have little impact on the economy.
“Even if the president appoints 1,000 central bank governors, nothing will change without proper laws to guide the country’s economy,” Juma said.
Another citizen who did not want her identity disclosed stressed the need for greater transparency in public financial management, stronger oversight of government spending, and policies that promote economic stability and protect the value of the South Sudanese pound.
The public also urged authorities to enforce existing financial regulations, curb illegal foreign exchange trading, and improve the independence and effectiveness of institutions responsible for managing the country’s monetary policy.
A civil society activist, Emmanuel Lexon, who is the program officer at the One Citizen Network for Democracy, a national civil society organisation in South Sudan, said he believes South Sudan continues to face significant economic challenges.
“Despite the appointment of government officials and various reform efforts, many citizens are still experiencing high living costs, rising prices of basic commodities, and increasing economic hardship,” Lexon said.
“We therefore call upon the Government of South Sudan, including the President and all relevant institutions, to strengthen economic governance by adopting practical and effective policies that can stabilise the economy. We encourage the government to engage with stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, development partners, and other relevant institutions, in developing sustainable solutions to the country’s economic challenges,” Lexon said.
He said that transparency is the only solution to the current economic situation in the country, citing that changing officials is not the best solution.
“We also urge greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Public institutions should regularly publish clear financial information and ensure that public funds are managed responsibly. Strengthening accountability will help reduce corruption and build public confidence in government institutions,” Lexon outlined.
The activist said that as the country prepares for the upcoming elections, we encourage broad consultation among all stakeholders to ensure that economic reforms and public policies contribute to peace, stability, and inclusive development.
Economists have previously noted that South Sudan’s economy continues to face significant challenges, including high inflation, currency depreciation, heavy dependence on oil revenues, limited domestic production, and shortages of foreign currency.
Citizens believe that addressing these structural issues requires long-term reforms rather than changes in personnel alone.
The latest public comments reflect growing expectations that the government should complement leadership changes with comprehensive policy reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the financial sector, strengthening governance, and creating a more resilient economy.
President Salva Kiir recently called for urgent reforms at the Bank of South Sudan as the country continues to grapple with economic pressures, including inflation, exchange rate volatility, and declining purchasing power.
His remarks have sparked nationwide discussion on the direction of economic policy, with many citizens and analysts arguing that lasting recovery will depend on institutional reforms, improved financial governance, and effective implementation of economic laws in addition to changes in leadership.