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South Sudan's Political Instability Deepens as President Salva Kiir Fires Finance Minister

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 4:24 GMT by socastsrm.com
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South Sudan is once again grappling with political turmoil following President Salva Kiir’s abrupt dismissal of Finance Minister Bak Mayom. This marks the seventh finance minister to be removed from office since 2020, highlighting a persistent instability that continues to plague the young nation and severely hinders its economic progress. The move, announced via state television on August 21st, has sent ripples through both Juba and international circles, raising concerns about governance, accountability, and the future of South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement.

The reasons behind Mayom's dismissal remain officially vague. While a presidential decree cited "performance issues" as justification, speculation is rife within political circles suggesting deeper disagreements over economic policy and potential corruption allegations. The lack of transparency surrounding these decisions only fuels distrust in Kiir’s leadership and contributes to the perception that ministerial changes are often driven by internal power struggles rather than genuine efforts to improve governance.

This isn't an isolated incident. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has been plagued by cycles of violence, political infighting, and economic mismanagement. The country’s vast oil reserves, initially seen as a source of prosperity, have instead become a focal point for conflict and corruption. The devastating civil war that raged from 2013 to 2018 left the nation shattered, with widespread displacement, immense suffering, and a crippled economy.

The 2018 peace agreement between Kiir’s government and rebel leader Riek Machar was intended to usher in an era of stability and reconciliation. However, its implementation has been fraught with challenges, including delays in power-sharing arrangements and persistent tensions between the two factions. The frequent changes in ministerial positions, particularly within key economic portfolios like finance, underscore the fragility of this peace process and the lack of commitment from some quarters to genuinely address the underlying issues driving conflict.

The revolving door of finance ministers is particularly damaging for South Sudan’s economy. Each new appointment brings a period of uncertainty and disruption as policies are reevaluated and personnel changes occur. This instability discourages foreign investment, hinders economic planning, and makes it difficult to implement long-term development strategies. The country's debt burden continues to grow, further straining its limited resources and hindering its ability to provide essential services to its citizens.

According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 7 million South Sudanese are in need of humanitarian assistance, facing food insecurity, displacement, and a lack of access to basic healthcare. The ongoing political instability exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult for aid organizations to operate effectively and reach those most in need.

The international community has repeatedly expressed concerns about the situation in South Sudan, urging Kiir’s government to prioritize good governance, accountability, and economic reform. However, progress has been slow, and skepticism remains regarding the government's commitment to genuine change. The United States, a major donor to South Sudan, has imposed sanctions on individuals accused of corruption and human rights abuses, but these measures have had limited impact.

The dismissal of Finance Minister Bak Mayom serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated challenges facing South Sudan. While the official explanation points to performance issues, the underlying causes are far more complex, rooted in political power struggles, corruption, and a lack of commitment to implementing meaningful reforms. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, South Sudan will continue to struggle with instability, poverty, and humanitarian crises. The international community must maintain pressure on Kiir’s government to uphold its commitments under the peace agreement and prioritize the well-being of its citizens over political expediency. A stable and prosperous South Sudan requires more than just a change in personnel; it demands a fundamental shift in governance and a genuine commitment to building a nation based on justice, accountability, and inclusivity. The situation is further complicated by reports suggesting potential disagreements within Kiir's cabinet regarding the management of oil revenues and the implementation of economic reforms proposed by international lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These internal divisions often manifest as ministerial reshuffles, creating an environment of constant uncertainty and hindering any sustained progress on critical economic issues. The lack of transparency surrounding these decisions only serves to erode public trust and further destabilize the country.