Newly-appointed S. Sudan finance minister collapses, rushed to Nairobi – Makuei

JUBA – South Sudan’s newly appointed finance minister Athian Diing Athian has been rushed to a Nairobi hospital after a sudden collapse, according to information minister and government spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth.

Athian collapsed yesterday, reportedly after complaining from heart complications.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, Makuei confirmed that the finance minister was rushed to Nairobi on Thursday, after suffering stomach and heart complications saying he was receiving treatment there.

“Yes the finance minister is now in Nairobi receiving treatment. He was taken there yesterday  because he complained of pains in his heart and his stomach. We don’t know what his problem is and as such he will be back when he get well,” Makuei said.

Athian, a former deputy finance minister, was appointed to his current position to replace Salvatore Garang Mabiordit weeks after the central bank announced that it has ran out of its foreign exchange reserve.