South Sudan’s President Fires Finance Minister

Published in Business and Finance on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 10:52 GMT by The Citizen
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South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has once again reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing Finance Minister Bak Mayom in a move that continues a worrying trend of frequent ministerial changes since 2020. This marks the seventh finance minister to be removed from office within just four years, highlighting deep-seated issues of political instability and economic mismanagement plaguing the nascent nation. The decision, announced on February 15th, 2024, has been met with concern both domestically and internationally, raising questions about the government's ability to effectively manage its finances and implement much-needed reforms.

The reasons cited for Mayom’s dismissal remain vague, officially attributed to “performance issues.” However, analysts suggest a more complex web of factors likely contributed to his removal. These include accusations of corruption within the Ministry of Finance, disagreements over economic policies, and power struggles within Kiir's government. The Citizen article points to reports alleging that Mayom was implicated in questionable financial dealings, although concrete evidence remains elusive. This lack of transparency surrounding ministerial dismissals further erodes public trust and fuels perceptions of political maneuvering rather than genuine efforts at good governance.

The revolving door of finance ministers is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of instability within South Sudan’s government. Since the country gained independence in 2011, it has been plagued by civil conflict, economic hardship, and widespread corruption. The current transitional government of national unity, formed under a peace agreement signed in 2018 between Kiir's ruling SPLM and opposition leader Riek Machar’s SPLM-IO, was intended to pave the way for democratic elections and address these challenges. However, progress has been slow and fraught with difficulties.

The constant changes at the helm of the Ministry of Finance have severely hampered efforts to stabilize the economy. South Sudan is heavily reliant on oil revenue, which accounts for over 90% of its exports and nearly all of its government revenue. Fluctuations in global oil prices, coupled with infrastructure challenges and corruption within the oil sector, have created significant volatility. Each new finance minister inherits a complex situation, requiring time to understand the intricacies of the economy and implement effective policies. The frequent changes disrupt this process, hindering long-term planning and creating uncertainty for investors.

The Citizen article highlights that previous finance ministers faced similar challenges and were also removed from office under questionable circumstances. This pattern suggests systemic issues within the government rather than simply individual performance failures. It points to a lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making processes, as well as potential power struggles between different factions vying for control over resources.

The international community has repeatedly expressed concerns about South Sudan’s governance and economic situation. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and loans to fund its operations, but donors are increasingly hesitant to provide support given the lack of progress in addressing corruption and promoting good governance. The frequent changes in leadership further complicate these relationships, making it difficult for international partners to engage effectively with the government.

The dismissal of Bak Mayom underscores the fragility of South Sudan’s political system and the urgent need for reforms. Addressing the root causes of instability requires more than just changing personnel; it demands a fundamental shift in governance practices, including strengthening institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and tackling corruption head-on. The peace agreement provides a framework for these reforms, but its implementation has been slow and uneven.

Looking ahead, South Sudan faces significant challenges. The country is grappling with food insecurity, displacement, and ongoing intercommunal violence. Economic recovery will require sustained efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, improve infrastructure, and attract foreign investment. However, without a stable and competent government capable of implementing sound economic policies, these goals remain elusive.

The latest ministerial change serves as a stark reminder that South Sudan’s journey towards peace and prosperity remains long and arduous. The international community must continue to pressure the government to uphold its commitments under the peace agreement and address the underlying issues that contribute to instability. Ultimately, the future of South Sudan depends on the ability of its leaders to prioritize national interests over personal gain and work together to build a more stable and prosperous nation for all its citizens. The constant reshuffling of key positions like the Finance Minister only serves to undermine this effort and perpetuate a cycle of uncertainty and disappointment.

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South Sudan’s President Fires Finance Minister – A Pattern of Instability