The recent presidential decrees were broadcasted on the state run SSBC on Thursday evening. Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater has been removed from his position as Minister of Finance and Planning, and Athian Diing Athian has been reinstated to this role after his dismissal in 2021.
Additionally, Dr. Dhieu Mathok has been replaced by Joseph Mum Majak as the Minister of Investment. Majak previously held the position of Minister of Trade and Industry but was relieved of his duties in March earlier this year.
Furthermore, Arop Nuoi Arop has been dismissed as the First Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, with Garang Majak Bol appointed to succeed him.
While no official reasons have been provided for the reshuffle, these changes come at a time of economic challenges for the country, such as cash shortages, market instability, and the depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound against foreign currencies.
In July, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, informed the Finance and Economic Planning Committee of the National Assembly about plans to print more money to alleviate the liquidity crisis. Dr. Othow emphasized that this was a short-term measure, with the bank also working on medium- and long term strategies for a sustainable solution.
The reshuffle is aimed at addressing these economic difficulties, with Athian and Majak taking on key roles in finance and investment to steer the country towards financial stability.