(JUBA) – Banks in South Sudan are facing a serious liquidity problem, leaving many customers frustrated as they queue for hours only to receive small amounts of cash far below their approved withdrawal limits.
Several account holders told Jakony.com® that banks are limiting withdrawals to 100,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), even when clients have been authorised to withdraw as much as 1 million SSP. At the current exchange rate of September 2025, 100,000 SSP is equal to about 14 US dollars, while 1 million SSP equals about 141 US dollars.
One customer, Machar Akuol, said he spent the whole day at a bank in Juba only to be told that he could not collect his full withdrawal.
“I had approval from the bank manager to withdraw 1 million, but in the end, I was only given 100,000 because they said there was no money available,” he explained.
He described the experience as both disappointing and worrying.
Another client, Mary Athou, shared similar frustrations. She said many people wait in line outside banks from morning until evening, but in the end they leave with very small amounts of cash. She urged the government to find urgent solutions to the liquidity shortages affecting banks across the country.
The liquidity crisis has been ongoing for months, with many businesses and households struggling to access their own money. Limited withdrawals have affected trade, daily transactions, and the confidence of the public in the banking system.
Economic analysts have warned that unless liquidity improves, the financial sector may continue to face pressure, especially in urban centres like Juba where the demand for cash is high.
Current Withdrawal Limits vs Approved Amounts
| Approved Withdrawal | Actual Withdrawal | SSP (Local) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000,000 SSP | 100,000 SSP | 100,000 SSP | $14 |
*Based on $1 = SSP 7,100 (September 2025 market rate)
