South Sudan Political and Economic Instability
South Sudan's Economic Cluster decided on June 26, 2026, to lift withdrawal limits imposed by commercial banks to provide relief to customers, directing the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank to implement this resolution. As of June 26, 2026, the nation continues to face severe economic challenges, including inflation and delayed civil servant salaries, with two-thirds of the population at risk of famine. This decision follows multiple changes in the finance ministry, including the dismissal of Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol on February 23, 2026, and his successor Salvatore Garang Mabiordit on May 6, 2026, with Kuol Daniel Ayulo appointed as the current Finance Minister. The UN warned on April 17, 2026, that South Sudan is at risk of famine, with its humanitarian response plan severely underfunded.
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June 2026 — 2 developments
South Sudan's Economic Cluster Lifts Bank Withdrawal Limits Amid Financial Challenges
South Sudan's Economic Cluster has decided to lift withdrawal limits imposed by commercial banks to provide relief to customers. The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank are directed to implement this resolution and develop strategies to address the nation's financial challenges.
South Sudan's President Kiir Replaces Finance Minister Amid Economic Woes
President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as South Sudan's Minister of Finance and Planning on May 6, 2026, appointing Kuol Daniel Ayulo as his successor. Ayulo, a technocrat with prior experience in finance and trade ministries, takes over amid significant economic challenges, including inflation and delayed civil servant salaries.
May 2026 — 2 developments
South Sudan Dismisses Finance Minister Amid Economic Crisis, Civil Servants Unpaid for Months
South Sudan's Finance Minister, Bak Barnaba Chol, was dismissed on May 23, 2026, and replaced by Awow Daniel Chuong amidst a severe economic crisis. Civil servants have reportedly not received salaries for up to six months.
South Sudan Appoints New Finance Minister Amidst Economic Turmoil
Kuol Daniel Ayulo has been appointed as South Sudan's new Finance Minister, replacing Bak Barnaba Chol. This marks the ninth change in the finance ministry since 2020, occurring as the nation grapples with a severe economic crisis, including collapsed oil exports, high inflation, and a depreciating currency.
April 2026 — 2 developments
UN Under-Secretary-General warns South Sudan faces famine risk, underfunded aid
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs warned on April 17, 2026, that South Sudan is at risk of famine due to escalating conflict and rising hunger. He stated that two-thirds of the population will require humanitarian assistance in 2026, but the response plan is severely underfunded.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir dismisses four undersecretaries amid economic instability
In March 2026, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir dismissed four undersecretaries, including the first undersecretary of finance, as part of wider government reshuffles. These changes occur amidst severe cash shortages and economic instability, exacerbated by interrupted oil exports.
February 2026 — 4 developments
Dismissed South Sudan Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol arrested attempting to flee to Uganda
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. His tenure lasted just over three months, and he formally handed over duties to his successor the day before his reported arrest.
President Kiir dismisses Finance Minister Chol, appoints Mabiordit
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.
South Sudan's Finance Minister Dismissed Amidst Economic Crisis
South Sudan's Minister of Finance, Bak Barnaba Chol, was dismissed on February 23, 2026, after less than three months in office. His successor, Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, was also dismissed on May 6, 2026, and replaced by Kuol Daniel Ayulo. These frequent changes highlight ongoing instability and economic challenges in the nation.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir dismisses Finance Minister and Revenue Authority Commissioner General
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.
November 2025 — 2 developments
President Kiir defends official dismissals as search for solutions amid economic woes
President 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 Kiir dismisses Finance Minister Athian, appoints Barnaba Baak Chol
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.
August 2025 — 1 developments
President Kiir dismisses Finance Minister Ater, appoints Athian Ding Athian
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.
March 2025 — 1 developments
President Salva Kiir dismisses three ministers
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.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Athian Ding Athian Appointed Finance Minister, Replaces Marial Dongrin Ater
Athian Ding Athian was appointed as the Finance Minister in September 2024, taking over from Marial Dongrin Ater.
July 2024 — 1 developments
Marial Dongrin Ater appointed Finance Minister in July 2024
Marial Dongrin Ater was appointed as the new Finance Minister in July 2024.
August 2023 — 2 developments
Deng Dau dismissed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, replaced by James Morgan
Deng 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 Kiir dismisses Finance Minister Dier Tong Ngor, appoints Bak Chol amid economic crisis
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.