![South Sudan's Minister of Finance and Planning Agak Achuil Lual. [Photo via Twitter]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FH7OPuXXoAEnC0l.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
On Thursday evening, Kiir issued a republican order firing the minister of finance and planning along with the governor of the country’s central bank Moses Makur Deng, amid worsening inflation that has seen hike in prices of basic goods.
Kiir appointed former central bank chief Dier Tong Ngor as the new finance minister, but did not immediately name a replacement for central bank chief. Kiir said senior bank official John Ohisio would serve in Makur’s place on an interim basis.
In a statement, Agak welcomed his removal and thanked President Kiir for giving him the chance to serve in the capacity of finance minister.
“Eight months ago, you trusted me with an extraordinary opportunity to serve the people of South Sudan in the Finance docket. I am writing to express my sincerest appreciations for having given me the chance to serve our country under your leadership and guidance,” he said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.
“Through your unwavering support, we made some achievements amid profound challenges expounded by limitations beyond my control. I made it a priority, as directed by your Excellency, to reduce salary arrears for our public servants, who have persistently remained resilient despite low and delayed wages,” he added.
He said “Staff in the foreign missions, whose salaries had not been paid for over two and half years, had their arrears reduced by up to seven months while those of national and states government had their arrears cleared up to the end of FY 2021/2022.
“I know South Sudan’s Economy still faces enormous challenges, yet I must take this opportunity to appreciate my colleagues and all those that helped us realize the achievements we made.
“I am confident that the new Minister, Hon. Dier Tong Ngor, to whom I now pass the baton, will steer our country’s economy towards a more sustainable future.”
