FILE PHOTO: Salvatore Garang, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, February 25, 2026. | Credit: Courtesy

Senior Presidential Envoy Adut Salva Kiir has described the death of former Finance and Planning Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as a solemn loss to the country, following his death on Thursday.

Mabiordit died at about six o’clock in the evening on Thursday at a hospital in Juba due to cardiac arrest, according to a statement from his family.

In a condolence message issued on Friday, Adut described Mabiordit as a dedicated public servant who spent much of his career managing the country’s public finances.

Mabiordit was the immediate former Minister of Finance and Planning. He was appointed to the position in February this year before being dismissed in May.

He previously served as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning from 2008 to 2017.

Mabiordit also served as Minister of Finance and Planning intermittently between 2018 and 2023 before returning to the position in 2026, in a short-lived tenure.

According to Adut, his repeated appointments to the ministry reflected President Salva Kiir’s confidence in his experience, knowledge and commitment to public service.

“His service to the Republic of South Sudan and his contribution to the affairs of our nation will be remembered with respect. May God, in His mercy, grant the late Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, eternal rest and everlasting peace,” she said in the statement.

The Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs said Mabiordit’s service and contribution to the country will be remembered with respect.

Mabiordit hailed from Gogrial West County in Warrap State.

Besides his government service, Mabiordit was also a community leader, serving as Chairperson of the Kuach Community.