Bank of South Sudan headquarters in Jebel, Juba. (Photo: Eye Radio).

Some members of the public are urging President Salva Kiir to prioritize stronger financial systems, effective laws, and sound economic policies, saying changes in leadership alone will not resolve South Sudan’s economic challenges.

The comments followed President Kiir’s call for urgent reforms during the swearing-in of the new Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow.

The President directed financial authorities to restore public confidence, address the liquidity crisis, and stabilize the national economy.

Speaking during Eye Radio’s Dawn Show, some members of the public called on President Kiir to establish systems that can prevent mismanagement of public resources, regulate foreign exchange trading, and strengthen financial institutions.

David Maguok urged the President to focus on building proper systems that can guide economic management and protect national resources.

“If the President wants to bring change, he needs to put proper systems together. Then the economy will be okay. If not, the country’s resources will continue to be stolen right before his eyes,” Maguok said.

He called on authorities to end the open sale of foreign currency on the streets, saying people should be able to access foreign exchange through banks and regulated institutions.

“Right now, you can see money exchange being done on the streets and in Customs Market. There is no country in the world where foreign currency is sold on the roadside like this. If you want dollars, you should be able to get them from a bank, not from the streets,” he said.

Felix also appealed to President Kiir to strengthen laws protecting public funds, saying weak legal frameworks allow continued financial mismanagement.

“South Sudan does not have a strong law protecting public funds. In any country without such laws, money will continue to be mismanaged. Even if the President appoints 1,000 central bank governors, nothing will change without proper laws to guide the country’s economy,” Felix said.

Sultan Josphe called on the President to ensure leadership changes at the Bank of South Sudan are backed by clear reforms and functioning systems.

“If you changed John Ohisa, there should be a reason why you changed him. Now that you have appointed Addis Ababa, there should also be a clear reason for bringing him in. Then put proper systems in place so the country’s economy can improve,” Josphe said.

The public also called for regulation of foreign exchange markets and stronger enforcement of economic laws, saying these measures are necessary to restore confidence in South Sudan’s banking sector and improve the economy.