The cartoon that appeared on the Dawn Newspaper on November 11 shows Juba borrowing cash from the Bank, which it is unable to pay back.

The economist, whose creative social and political commentaries appear on some daily newspapers, has touched nerves and prompted institutions and politicians to come out and clear their names.

Adija’s latest victim was the National Communication Authority – a body tasked with regulating telecommunication industry in the country- but which has been at the receiving end of public criticisms over its controversial adjustment of data tariffs rates for telecommunication companies.

The cartoonist had depicted the NCA as sleeping while mobile telecommunication defraud the country, but Director-General Napoleon Adok called the cartoon a misrepresentation of the reality.

“I would like to use this platform to correct that misrepresentation of NCA’s work. We are not sleeping anywhere, we are more than awake on your behalf,” said Director-General Adok.

But, he eventually admitted the public outcry and said the government has taken not of the costly internet and mobile communication networks, saying they are working to ensure valuable service.

I would like to assure the public that NCA has embarked on reviewing the operation and costing of services by all operators to ensure that people get value for their money.” #RuralConnectivity #ConnectingSSD #SSOT #NcaSSD #SouthSudan

— National Communication Authority NCA (@NcaSsd) November 19, 2022

The readjustment of mobile tariff rates in line with the Central Bank Exchange Rate – has made South Sudan the country with the highest internet cost in the region – a situation that has left the public moaning that they can no longer afford telecommunication.

A few days before then, Adija depicted South Sudan’s debts status with the African Development Bank.

The cartoon that appeared on the Dawn Newspaper on November 11 shows Juba borrowing cash from the Bank, which it is unable to pay back.

A second cartoon shows the African Development holding South Sudan by the neck and demanding repayment, while electricity-supplying companies search for money.

This prompted the African Development Bank to release a statement criticizing the cartoon as misrepresenting its financial dealings with the government of South Sudan.

The Bank said the Bank is enjoying a friendly relationship with the government as one of its greatest supporters.

The financial institution adds that it is currently spending 162.02 million US dollars to support agriculture, water supply, and sanitation, multi-sector, social sector, and power.

South Sudan’s external debts – owed to 20 international financial institutions stand at 2.05 billion US dollars, according to the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The country’s outstanding debts with the African Development Bank currently are 18.5 million US dollars.