By Matik Kueth
The Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, said the government will soon unveil a roadmap for the progressive clearance of all outstanding salary arrears.
Dr. Mel, who briefed President Kiir on Monday, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing public services by ensuring the regular and timely payment of salaries for civil servants and organized forces on the 24th of each month.
He stated that the commitment aligns with President Kiir’s directive, which tasks the Economic Cluster with enhancing public sector efficiency, economic governance, and national transformation.
Mel commended all economic institutions for their commitment and effort in achieving the milestone.
He added that the Bank of South Sudan has now established a ring-fenced Public Salaries Account dedicated entirely to salary disbursements and that no cash from the account will be diverted.
The vice president warned that any violations would result in personal accountability and prosecution.
He urged public servants to register personal bank accounts, highlighting that direct salary transfers would assist in minimizing payroll fraud, increasing transparency, and supporting the government’s anti-money laundering efforts.
Dr. Mel further directed the Minister of Finance and Planning to engage with Commercial Banks to ensure reduced banking and transaction fees for public servants.
He called on the public servants to return to their duties with renewed energy and patriotism, emphasizing that their services are crucial to institutional strength, national development, and economic recovery.
However, Mel emphasized the critical link between security and economic progress, urging them to intensify efforts to protect the vulnerable, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the nation’s investment climate.
He cautioned that any person or group endangering investors or disrupting economic activity will be dealt with accordingly.
The chair of the economic cluster appealed to investors to observe the country’s laws, and to operate transparently, pay taxes diligently and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also assured the people of South Sudan that the government will continue to listen to them and work relentlessly to revitalize the economy for the benefit of all people.
Last month, Dr. Mel met with President Kiir on February 21, 2025, and the duo made a dramatic decision to ensure that civil servants and organized forces receive their salaries on time.
According to accounts, civil servants and members of the organized forces have not been paid for nearly a year.
This is the result of the greater economic crisis caused by the civil war, as well as the country’s closure of oil production, as South Sudan relies primarily on oil revenue.