(JUBA) – A public dispute has emerged between the Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) and Eye Radio after the central bank denied media reports quoting its governor as saying there were urgent plans to print additional money to address the ongoing liquidity crisis that has affected government salary payments.
On 23 July 2025, BOSS issued a press release rejecting claims that Governor Dr Addis Ababa Othow had stated a need to print more currency.
The Bank described the report as “false, misleading, and not based on the legal framework governing the operations of the central bank,” and emphasised that it does not have the authority to print money for the purpose of paying civil servants or members of the organised forces.
However, Eye Radio has stood by its reporting. The media outlet published the Bank’s official press release but also included audio clips of Governor Othow making the exact remarks during a meeting with a parliamentary committee of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, aired on state run SSBC television on Monday, 21 July 2025.
In its follow up coverage on 22 July, Eye Radio stated: “The Bank of South Sudan has downplayed its earlier statement in which Eye Radio quoted the Governor disclosing an ‘urgent need’ to print more currency to meet current liquidity demands.”
The original report published by Eye Radio on 22 July quoted Governor Othow as telling the legislative committee, “We are under urgent need to print money just to meet the high demand for liquidity,” in reference to the country’s cash flow problems, which have led to delays in paying government workers.
The governor’s statement was made during a session aired publicly by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), and Eye Radio included the audio in its report as supporting evidence. The report remains published online as of 24 July 2025, and no retraction has been issued.
Despite this, the Bank of South Sudan continues to maintain that the statements attributed to Governor Othow were taken out of context and misrepresent the legal and institutional framework that governs the central bank’s operations.
According to the Bank of South Sudan Act, 2011 (as amended in 2023), the central bank operates independently and is governed by a legal structure that does not permit printing money for salary payments. Section 8 of the Act outlines the Bank’s statutory roles, while Sections 64 to 69 detail its relationship with the government. These sections provide no authority to print money for recurrent expenditure like civil service salaries.
BOSS stated that government expenditure, including salary payments, is expected to be financed through oil and non-oil revenues. In cases where revenues fall short, the government typically turns to domestic or external borrowing—not currency printing—to cover budget deficits.
The Bank has urged Eye Radio to withdraw the statement and maintain high standards of ethical journalism. However, it appears Eye Radio has made the decision to retain the report.
Key Developments in the Currency Printing Dispute
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Eye Radio Report | Published 22 July, quoting Governor Dr Othow as saying there is an “urgent need” to print more money for liquidity. |
| BOSS Response | Issued 23 July, calling the report “false and misleading,” stating the Bank lacks legal authority to print money for salary payments. |
| Source of Quote | Governor’s statement aired by state broadcaster SSBC during parliamentary session on 21 July. |
| Eye Radio Position | Maintains the report is accurate; published Bank’s denial along with audio clips of the Governor’s remarks. |
| Legal Framework | Bank of South Sudan Act, 2011 (amended 2023), Sections 8, 64-69 govern the Bank’s operations and prohibit printing money for salaries. |
| Current Exchange Rate | 1 USD = 4,600 SSP as of July 2025. |
| Public Confidence | The dispute has triggered wider concerns over economic transparency and accountability in the middle ongoing salary delays. |