By William Madouk
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has signed into law a new legislation aimed at answering one of South Sudan’s most persistent questions: where does public money go, and who gets what?
On Thursday, Kiir assented to the Fiscal, Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission Act, 2025, opening the door to the creation of an independent body that will oversee how national revenues are shared and spent.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday signed into law the Fiscal, Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission Act 2025,” partly reads a statement from the presidential press unit (PPU).
The law was presented to the president by the Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba.
Lawmakers say the Act gives life to a constitutional commission that has existed largely on paper for years.
Once formed, the Fiscal, Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission will track how money approved in the national budget is distributed; from Juba to the states, counties and administrative areas.
What the Commission Will Do
In simple terms, the commission will act as a referee of public finances.
Its job is to monitor the collection and sharing of national revenues, including oil income, and ensure funds are allocated fairly and sent on time to lower levels of government.
It will also advise the government on how to divide resources based on population, development needs and basic services.
If money approved by parliament fails to reach its destination, the commission is expected to raise the alarm.
Why the Law Matters
For years, states and counties have complained of delayed or unclear transfers from the national government.
These delays have often meant unpaid salaries, stalled projects and struggling public services.
Supporters of the Act say the new commission could bring order to a system many describe as opaque and unpredictable.
A Test of Political Will
The signing comes as South Sudan pushes ahead with governance reforms under its transitional framework, with growing pressure to strengthen institutions ahead of future elections.
Still, observers say the real challenge lies ahead. The commission must be established, funded and allowed to operate independently to make a real difference.
For now, lawmakers describe the Act as a hopeful step one that could finally make public money work for the people it is meant to serve.
“Legislators say the bill will also help in promoting transparency, particularly the allocation of nationally collected funds to the States, counties and Administrative Areas in the country,” PPU added.
The MPs passed the Act in September 2024 to pave the way for the creation of an independent commission responsible for national budget control through implementation of the Appropriation Act.