‘Focus on the Agreement’ is a new daily segment broadcast on Radio Tamazuj to explain the contents of the peace deal signed in August 2015 between South Sudan’s warring parties.
In our last episode we reviewed the role of the Special Reconstruction Fund. Today we continue to look at Chapter 4 which is about resources and economic management. The role of the Ministry of Finance and Planning is explained in Article 2.2 of Chapter 4 of the peace agreement.
According to this article, the finance ministry must develop a strategic economic plan for development over the next three to five years. The finance minister himself will be appointed according to the power-sharing arrangements, which means he may come from any of the agreement’s signatories.
The ministry will be responsible for ensuring that all government contracts and obligations are transparent and comply with the laws of the country. They must also ensure that the national budget addresses the correct priorities. Currently the national government spends about 60% of its money on security and rule of law sectors and only 3% on the health sector and 8% on education. Recommending spending priorities is part of the role of the finance ministry.
The finance ministry will also try to improve voluntary partnerships with development organizations and humanitarian organizations.
According to the peace agreement, the finance ministry must also review the constituency development fund program within nine months of the signing of the peace agreement.
Article 2.3 of the agreement is about the role of the anti-corruption commission. This body must investigate corruption in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, Director of Public Prosecution and the Police. It is meant to be an independent commission that works without political interference.
The peace agreement says that the commission should cooperate with media and civil society and youth groups and faith leaders to advocate against corruption and raise awareness.
The commission should also promote ethical standards in government and combat administrative malpractices