South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dismissed central bank governor Yeni Samuel Costa and reappointed Johnny Ohisa Damian to lead the bank, marking Ohisa’s third stint in the post since 2022.
The change was announced in a presidential decree read on state television Friday evening. No reason was given for the decision.
Costa, who was appointed on Nov. 12, 2025, served just over two months, the shortest tenure of any central bank governor since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. His brief term came amid mounting economic pressures, including sharp currency depreciation and persistently high inflation.
Ohisa,who hails from Eastern Equatoria State, previously served as governor before being removed from the position about seven months ago. He first assumed the role in 2022.
A veteran economist and banker, Ohisa has extensive experience in public financial management. Before his initial appointment as central bank governor, he held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, where he worked on fiscal policy, revenue administration and engagement with international financial institutions.
The Bank of South Sudan is responsible for formulating monetary policy, supervising the banking sector and safeguarding financial stability in the world’s youngest nation.