South Sudan Faces Eighth Finance Minister in Five Years

(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has once again reshuffled his administration, dismissing Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian and several senior officials, while bringing back key allies to influential positions in both the economic and security sectors. The changes, announced on state television on Monday, mark the eighth time the Ministry of Finance has changed leadership since 2020.

Athian was removed through Republican Decree No. 381/2025, issued under Article 101(d) of the Constitution. He had served slightly over two months in office. Dr. Barnaba Baak Chol, who previously held the same position between August 2023 and March 2024, has been reappointed as the new Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The reshuffle comes as South Sudan’s economy faces renewed strain due to falling oil revenues, persistent cash shortages and the impact of ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan. Oil remains the country’s primary source of revenue, yet production and export earnings have been inconsistent since fighting erupted across the border in April 2023.

Commercial banks in Juba and other towns have continued to restrict cash withdrawals, with most limiting daily access to about 50,000 South Sudanese Pounds (approximately 7 US Dollars) per customer due to liquidity shortages. This has raised frustration among civil servants and business owners who rely on cash-based transactions.

In the security sector, Kiir dismissed National Security Advisor Madut Dut Yel and reinstated Tut Gatluak Manime to the position through Republican Decree No. 374/2025, invoking Article 101(f) of the Constitution. Gatluak, a long-time presidential ally and peace negotiator, previously served in the same capacity for nearly 11 years until his removal in January 2025.

Another major change was at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, where Ambassador Chol Mawut Ajongo was replaced by Africano Mande Gedima, the former Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority. Mande was removed from the tax agency in November 2024 but returns to a senior government role.

President Kiir also made adjustments within his office, removing Ambassador Ajiing Deng Ajiing as Executive Director and reappointing James Deng Wal to the position. Rita Kiden Lotua, who has been serving in the President’s Office, was promoted to become South Sudan’s Ambassador to Rwanda.

In the petroleum sector, Engineer Deng Lual Wol was dismissed as Undersecretary, and Engineer Dr. Chol Thon Abel was reappointed. The ministry continues to play a vital role in managing the country’s oil exports, which account for about 90 percent of national income.

A separate military order appointed Lt. Gen. Philip Nyon Nyon as Commander of the elite Tiger Division, replacing Maj. Gen. Valentino Bak Makuei, who had served for only a few weeks since his appointment in October.

Political analyst Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said the constant changes at the top levels of government signal instability and lack of policy continuity. He noted that the frequent turnover of finance ministers has worsened the country’s financial management and undermined investor confidence.

“The Ministry of Finance has turned into a testing ground instead of a delivery office,” Yakani told Radio Tamazuj. “Stability in leadership is vital for financial reform and effective budget planning. Replacing ministers every few months cannot solve South Sudan’s economic crisis.”

He also warned that the recycling of former officials risks encouraging inefficiency and corruption rather than accountability. “Reappointments of the same figures show political loyalty outweighs competence,” Yakani said.

Analysts believe the reshuffle is partly aimed at improving negotiations with lenders and international partners, as the government faces increasing fiscal pressure and growing public dissatisfaction over rising prices and delayed salaries.

Summary of Key Government Changes (November 2025)