Kiir dismisses finance minister

South Sudan's finance minister Dier Tong Ngor (File photo)

In a recent development, President Salva Kiir has taken the decision to remove the Minister of Finance and Planning from office, naming a successor shortly thereafter.

In a recent development, President Salva Kiir has taken the decision to remove the Minister of Finance and Planning from office, naming a successor shortly thereafter.

Through an official announcement broadcasted on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Thursday, President Kiir relieved Dier Tong Ngor of his duties and appointed Bak Barnaba Chol Bak as the new Minister of Finance.

Although the specific rationale behind this decision remains undisclosed, it coincides with South Sudan’s ongoing challenges, including the devaluation of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), which has consequently resulted in rampant hyperinflation.

It’s worth noting that the former minister had recently presented a budget proposal totalling 1.8 trillion SSP for the upcoming fiscal year 2023/2024.

Dier Tong Ngor had assumed the role of Finance Minister precisely one year ago, prior to his recent replacement.