President Salva Kiir during swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed government officials, including Governor of the Bank of South Sudan; Chief of Defence Forces; and Inspector General of Police, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Credit: Office of the President.

President Salva Kiir has ordered the payment of civil servants’ salary arrears, the removal of roadblocks, and the efficient use of resources for the welfare of the country’s military personnel.

A statement published by the office of the president stated that the President directed the Minister of Finance and the entire economic team to prioritize settling salary arrears owed to public employees as soon as possible.

The president’s directive came during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed government officials.

The officials include the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Johnny Ohisa Damian; the Chief of Defence Forces, Dr. Paul Nang Majok; and the Inspector General of Police, Abraham Manyuat Peter.

Civil servants have gone without salaries for nearly a year, despite President Kiir repeatedly assuring that the government has sufficient funds.

He has issued clear directives to relevant institutions to make the payments, but these efforts have yet to yield results.

President Kiir emphasized the urgent need for intervention to address the country’s economic crisis in his address.

“It is critical that we correct the current anomalies in the economic sector in order to alleviate the suffering of our people,” he said, stressing the importance of prompt action.

The President also urged the newly appointed officials to work diligently towards ensuring national stability and economic growth.

“I expect full cooperation from all economic institutions to contribute to the recovery of our economy,” he added.

President Kiir highlighted the crucial role of the banking sector in maintaining financial and economic stability, calling for full cooperation from all economic institutions.

Turning to the security sector, the President issued several directives to the new Chief of Defence Forces and the Inspector General of Police.

He stressed the need for modernization of the armed forces and urged both officials to play key roles in the ongoing security sector reforms.

“The resources allocated to the armed forces should be put to good use, and the welfare of our men and women in uniform attended to,”  President Kiir added.

In a move aimed at improving the movement of goods and services across the country, President Kiir also ordered the immediate removal of numerous checkpoints.

“This will ensure that goods and services flow freely for the benefit of the people,” he concluded.