The Minister of Finance, Salvatore Garang Mabiordit

Former South Sudan Minister of Finance and Planning Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, has died, his family announced his death on Thursday evening, August 20, 2026.

According to an official communication issued by his family, Mabiordit died at 6:03pm Juba time at AMI Clinic in the South Sudanese capital after a period of illness.

The family said his death followed complications arising from a diabetic coma, with cardio-pulmonary arrest identified as the immediate cause of death.

“It is with profound sorrow and deep sadness that the family of the late Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, a distinguished economist, veteran public servant, respected community leader, devoted family man and patriotic son of South Sudan, announces his passing,” the family said in a statement.

Mabiordit was a veteran economist and public servant who held several senior positions in the financial administration of the former Southern Sudan and later in the government of independent South Sudan.

Before independence, he served as Director of International Audit and Inspection and Director General of Finance before becoming First Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

His career also included service with humanitarian and international organisations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service (SIMAS), where he contributed to humanitarian and development programmes.

Following South Sudan’s independence in 2011, Mabiordit continued to serve in senior government positions and eventually became one of the country’s key figures in economic management.

He was first appointed Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in 2018 and returned to the same portfolio in 2026, serving during periods of significant economic and financial pressure in the country.

As finance minister, he represented South Sudan in engagements with major international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and African Development Bank, particularly on issues relating to economic recovery, public finance and national development.

Outside government, Mabiordit was serving as Chairperson of Kuac Ayok Community Worldwide, providing leadership and representation to the community.

The family described him as “a humble statesman, a distinguished economist, a dedicated public servant, an experienced technocrat, a respected community leader and a patriotic son.”

It said his lifelong service had “left a lasting impact on the institutions he served and the communities he represented.”

Mabiordit’s death comes as South Sudan continues to face major economic challenges, making the loss of a senior economist and former finance minister particularly significant for the country’s public administration and economic policy community.

The family said funeral and burial arrangements would be announced later in coordination with the relevant authorities.

“May the Almighty God grant Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit eternal peace, and may his soul rest in everlasting peace,” the family said.

Further details about his funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family in due course.