South Sudan Finance Minister Dismissed and Arrested
Bak Barnaba Chol, the recently dismissed Finance Minister of South Sudan, was arrested on February 28, 2026, in Nimule while allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda. As of February 28, 2026: Chol's arrest followed his dismissal by President Salva Kiir on February 24, 2026, after serving just over three months in office. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit was appointed as the new Finance Minister, marking the ninth change in the position since 2020. President Kiir has frequently dismissed and rehired officials, including eight changes in the finance minister position since 2020, in an attempt to find "solutions" to the country's economic and security problems.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this story2026
3 updates
2026
3 updatesBak Barnaba Chol, the recently dismissed Finance Minister of South Sudan, was arrested on February 28, 2026, in Nimule while allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda. His tenure lasted just over three months, and he formally handed over duties to his successor the day before his reported arrest.
President Salva Kiir dismissed Finance Minister Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol after only three months in office. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit was appointed as the new Finance Minister, marking the ninth change in the position since 2020.
via reuters.com
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has dismissed the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Barnaba Bak Chol, and the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, William Anyuon, after only three months in their positions. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit has been appointed as the new Finance Minister, marking his return to the role. This reshuffle also included the dismissal of the deputy Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority.
2025
4 updates
2025
4 updatesPresident Kiir stated that his frequent dismissals and rehirings of officials were aimed at finding "solutions" to the country's problems, including economic and security issues. He noted that government workers had gone nine months without salaries due to challenges in generating oil revenue.
President Salva Kiir dismissed Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian, who had served for just over two months. Dr. Barnaba Baak Chol was appointed as the new minister, having previously held the post from August 2023 to March 2024. This was the eighth change in the finance minister position since 2020.
President Salva Kiir dismissed Finance Minister Marial Dongrin Ater, who had been in office since July 2024. Athian Ding Athian was appointed as his replacement, having previously served in the role from 2020 to 2021. This marked the seventh change in the finance minister position since 2020.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed three ministers: Ruben Madol Arol (Justice and Constitutional Affairs), Awut Deng Acuil (General Education and Instruction), and Joseph Mum Majak (Trade and Industry). No reasons were provided for these dismissals.
via aa.com.tr·reuters.com
2024
2 updates
2024
2 updatesAthian Ding Athian was appointed as the Finance Minister in September 2024, taking over from Marial Dongrin Ater.
Marial Dongrin Ater was appointed as the new Finance Minister in July 2024.
2023
2 updates
2023
2 updatesDeng Dau was dismissed as the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and replaced by Ambassador James Morgan. Deng Dau had held the position since March 2023.
President Salva Kiir dismissed Finance Minister Dier Tong Ngor and replaced him with Bak Chol, citing no specific reason. This occurred during a period of hyperinflation and a significant depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound against the US dollar.
2026
Story began · 19 days ago