By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has relieved Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater as Minister of Finance and Planning.
The president made the changes on Thursday through a presidential decree read out on the state-owned broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
In a separate decree, the head of state appointed Athian Diing Athian as the new Minister of Finance and Planning.
Kiir’s decree came at a time when the country is struggling with an economic crisis, with South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) losing its value against other major currencies like United States dollars.
On Jul 10, 2024, Dr. Dongrin was named as the Minister of Finance and planning.
However, during his swearing in at Presidential palace, President Kiir vowed to keep firing until he gets a rightful person to fix the economy.
“I understand you have been in the national revenue authority and know how money is being collected from the people. So, you make a network to get the money and then find the solution. The solution will be that you must have one account, one single account, because the money, which is collected, everyone has their own account. And these accounts do not come to the people (bank of the government). Everyone goes and talks to his big person he knows. Otherwise, we have a lot of money, and I am looking for a solution,” said Kiir.
“This is why I bring somebody today and kick him out tomorrow and bring another person.” The President added.
The president, however, vowed to stop dismissing officials once he gets a solution, citing that the government workforce continues to stay for months without salaries.
“It is everything I have tried. When I succeed in getting the right person, I will hold firmly and tell him you work. We have nine solid months; people have not received their salaries.” Kiir said
Dr. Dongrin, however, made efforts after serving for more than a year; however, the civil servants and organizers have not been paid for months.
He blamed the salary delay on a shortage of liquidity in the banks, citing they were paying people electronically, a move some salary earners dispute.
However, eyes have been set on the current appointed minister of Finance and Planning, Athian Diing Athian, to bring the solution as expected by the President.
As far as experience is concerned, Minister Athian has served in a similar position as well as in the Bank of South Sudan for sometime.
Other officials appointed by President Kiir include Joseph Moum Majak as Minister of Investment and Garang Majak Bol as 1st undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
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