By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has directed the Minister of Finance and Planning to ensure the swift payment of civil servant salary arrears, economic recovery, and the necessity for military forces to play a significant role in security reform.
Kiir issued the directive at the swearing-in ceremony for new government officials at the state house on Wednesday, including the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Johnny Ohisa Damian, the Chief of Defense Forces, Dr. Paul Nang Majok, and the Inspector General of Police, Abraham Manyuat Peter.
He emphasized the need for urgent intervention to alleviate the country’s economic crisis, stating, “It is critical that we correct the current anomalies in the economic sector in order to alleviate the suffering of our people.”
Kiir also instructed the newly appointed officials to work diligently to ensure stability and economic growth in the country.
The head of the state highlighted the importance of cooperation from economic institutions in contributing to the recovery of the economy.
“I expect full cooperation from all economic institutions to contribute to the recovery of our economy,” he said, stressing the need for collective efforts to stabilize the nation’s financial landscape.
In the security sector, President Kiir ordered the modernization of the armed forces and urged top security officials to play active roles in ongoing security reforms.
“The resources allocated to the armed forces should be put to good use, and the welfare of our men and women in uniform attended to,” he stated.
However, he also ordered the immediate removal of multiple roadblocks throughout the country to allow free movement of commodities and services that are critical to people’s well-being.