South Sudan’s Finance Minister-designate David Deng Athorbei says that the government does not have enough money to meet the demands of striking university professors.
The academic staff of four public universities – University of Juba, Upper Nile, Bahr el Ghazal and the Garang Memorial University have been on an ‘on and off’ strike since 19 February, demanding for payment of arrears and allowances.
Radio Miraya reported that Athorbei yesterday told the staff at a meeting that the government does not have the funds to respond to their concerns immediately.
Athorbei and the education minister reportedly called on the teaching staff to call off their action.
South Sudan has no legal finance minister because the designated minister was never approved by parliament as required by the constitution. The designated minister has been serving in the role in spite of this legal requirement.
Related:
SPLM-Juba government in talks for $500 million in loans (4 March)
South Sudan now in 4th week without legal finance minister (5 Feb.)
Deng Athorbei takes office without approval of parliament (22 Jan.)