By Matik Kueth
The newly appointed Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, has pledged to spearhead a national agricultural conference in South Sudan aimed at reshaping the country’s economy.
Dr. Mel made this statement during his swearing-in ceremony at the State House in Juba on Wednesday.
He underlined the importance of agriculture, describing it as “the backbone of every country.”
“I’m going to have a national agricultural conference in conjunction with financial institutions and international communities to see how we can do fine. I’m going to work on individuals that are obstacles to our peace,” Dr. Mel said.
Mel noted that one of President Kiir’s top priorities is executing economic reforms, which he acknowledged is a struggle for the South Sudanese people.
“Today, I got instructions in my swearing in room. One is about the economic reforms. Economic reforms are very painful because we are not used to it. We don’t know what to look out for. Therefore, it’s not going to be very easy. Because I come from a background of being well-informed by my superior, I’m not afraid of anything,” he stated.
The vice president further reaffirmed his dedication to implementing President Kiir’s directives, particularly regarding the resolution of salary arrears.
“But with my committee cluster, we will implement it. It’s not going to be easy. The first thing that we are going to implement is salaries. We are not going to stop salaries. First, salaries, and then the rest will come. This one goes to my brother, Minister of Finance, and Simon Waze here.” he stressed.
Despite South Sudan’s alarming economic challenges, Dr. Mel’s focus on economic reforms and agriculture may provide a path forward for regional growth and stability.