![South Sudan finance minister Athian Ding Athian [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/123053663_149101273592920_1500215743427440095_n.jpg?resize=850%2C521&ssl=1)
Kiir issued a republic decree on Friday night via the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) replacing the minister of finance and his interior counterpart, Paul Mayom Akech without giving reasons, before saying in a speech during the swearing in ceremony of the new finance minister that previous ministers were corrupt.
In a statement however following his sacking, Athian welcomed his sacking.
“Fourteen (14) months ago, you bestowed on me a huge responsibility to lead the country’s Finance docket amid enormous challenges, expounded by the global pandemic. I am writing to thank you wholeheartedly for the chance you gave me to serve our country together,” he said in a public statement addressed to President Kiir.
“With your full trust and guidance, we made significant achievements including stabilization of exchange rate and relentless pursuit of Public Finance Management Reforms (PFMRs). I tried my best to close loopholes in the financial system — ensuring value for public money and fiscal discipline. We worked hard to clear public servants’ salary arrears despite the fiscal defies,” he added.
The former finance minister praised President Kiir for supporting him by giving directives during his tenure saying none of the achievements would have been realized without the presidential directives.
“We aimed to rebuild the country’s reserve and regain trust in our financial system — a prerequisite for a more sustainable economic growth for any country. None of these milestones would have been achieved without your unyielding support,” he said.
“I have great confidence in the new Minister, Hon. Agak Acuil Lual. He has the ability to pick up from where we left and steer our economy to great success. I wish him well in his new role,” he added.
