By William Madouk
A member of the National Assembly member has criticized the recent award bestowed on the Central Bank Governor, Dr. James Alic Garang, amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis and high inflation.
Mr. Anei Deng Akok, an MP representing Aweil East County on the SPLM-IO ticket, questioned the criteria and reasons behind the governor’s accolades, given the sickly state of the economy and fluctuating exchange rates.
“Yesterday, I wanted to take an opportunity through the minister of finance to ask why after the exchange rate reached SSP 500,000 and citizens are suffering, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) awarded the governor of the Central Bank,” Akok said during a parliamentary session.
“Why is that award when the dollar rate has hit SSP 500,000 and the international community celebrates that the central governor is the best after economic turmoil?” he quizzed.
The legislator cited that during the tenure of consecutive governors, the exchange rates had not hit SSP 200,000 and none of the former governors of the Bank of South Sudan bagged a prestigious award.
“This shows that there is no sovereignty, and if we truly have sovereignty then we are supposed to summon the minister of finance and the governor of the central bank to answer questions why such an award when people are suffering?” Akok noted.
“Are we truly leaders?! If we were leaders, the exchange rate would have not reached SSP 500,000,” he lamented.
But another MP disputed the point of information raised by Akok citing that these are just an institutional procedure, adding, “why do we complain about things that are being done within an institutional capacity, I don’t think this correct.”
In response, the second deputy speaker, Parmena Awerial Aluong said “the last one, is not information because the issue is just a normal procedure which is carried out by the institution.”
“So, we cannot interfere in such arrangement which is done by the central bank and ministry of finance. IMF is the one running the economic realm in the world,” he added.
Deputy speaker Awerial said International Monitory Funds and the World Bank have their own standard as such the national parliament should not interfere with their procedures and policy.
The lawmaker’s statements reflect the growing discontent among the public and political representatives over the economic challenges facing the country, particularly the soaring inflation and depreciation of the local currency.