By Baraka John
Former Minister of Presidential Affairs has warned that rising poverty and economic hardship remain some of the biggest threats to peace and stability in South Sudan, urging citizens to become more creative and self-reliant in order to survive the country’s worsening economic crisis.
Speaking on Tuesday during a two-day Citizens Talk forum organized by the UNMISS in Yambio, Bakosoro said many South Sudanese families are facing severe economic difficulties as living conditions continue to deteriorate across the country.
The forum brought together participants from the ten counties to discuss key challenges affecting communities and explore solutions aimed at strengthening peace, unity, and development.
Bakosoro stressed that poverty itself has become a dangerous form of conflict, alongside insecurity and political tensions, because it continues to destroy livelihoods and increase suffering among ordinary citizens.
He called on both leaders and citizens to work collectively to address the country’s economic challenges, emphasizing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without improving the welfare and living conditions of the people.
“People must become creative and find ways to survive during these difficult economic times,” Bakosoro said, adding that economic empowerment is essential for lasting stability in South Sudan.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has faced persistent economic challenges since gaining independence in 2011. The country’s economy heavily depends on oil exports, which account for the majority of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. However, years of conflict, political instability, corruption, inflation, and disruptions in oil production have weakened the economy and increased poverty levels.
In recent years, many citizens have struggled with rising food prices, unemployment, a weakening local currency, and limited access to basic services. Flooding, insecurity, and displacement have further worsened humanitarian conditions in several parts of the country.
Despite ongoing peace efforts, economic hardship remains one of the major concerns affecting millions of South Sudanese, with analysts warning that poverty and unemployment could continue to fuel instability if not properly addressed.