Kiir promises to clear salary arrears owed to diplomats

JUBA – President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday vowed to clear all salary arrears owed to the country’s diplomats.

President Kiir made this promise on Monday during a farewell meeting with Ambassadors of South Sudan accredited to various foreign missions.

“Some arrears and salaries have been paid, and they will continue to be paid on time with the new arrangements that have been put in place,” said a statement from the office of the President.

In 2015, South Sudan temporarily closed down most of its embassies over failure to pay rent and salaries of diplomats as the country’s economy deteriorated.

The country has about 24 embassies and missions in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and America.

In October last year, the cabinet approved a sum of $100 million to clear the arrears of its foreign embassies that were closed down due to financial constraints.

Kiir said the necessary arrangements have been put in place to improve the financial situation of the ambassadors and diplomats.

Kiir directed the ambassadors to carry out their diplomatic duties for the benefit of the Country.

“You the Ambassadors to improve the image of South Sudan in the Countries they have been assigned to and to develop and strengthen their cooperation with South Sudan,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Ambassadors, Dr. Michael Milli Hussein said they will do everything to improve the image of South Sudan and promote bilateral and multilateral relations with South Sudan.

The ambassadors are Amb. Gen.Thomas Duoth Guet to Kuwait,  Amb. Alier Deng Ruai Deng to Switzerland, Amb. Samuel Luate Lominsuk to Belgium, Amb. Michael Milli Hussein to France, Amb. John Samuel Bwogo Kir to Al Riyadh,  Amb. Lt. Gen. Malek Rueben Riak to Zimbabwe, Amb. Mary Babodo Francis to Eritrea, Amb. Mustafa Lowoh Walla Jabi to Norway, Amb. Ms Victoria Samuel Aru Bol Jok to India, Amb.Dhanojak Obongo Othow to Italy,  and Amb. Gen. Loyang Johnson Okot to Tanzania.