Oyet demands budget tabling amid economic crisis

JUBA – South Sudan’s deputy parliament speaker Oyet Nathaniel has demanded an explanation from the finance minister Marial Dongrin Ater on the delay in tabling the national budget.

Oyet, who is also the deputy chair of the main armed opposition SPLM-IO, questioned the basis for government spending without an approved budget amid mounting economic hardship.

“We are aware that all spending by the government is done from the basis of the budget. The budget has now been delayed, and the government continues to spend. On what basis are the expenditure going on?” he asked the finance minister.

Nathaniel called for a bailout package while the parliament awaits the 2024-2025 budget.

Ater acknowledged the delay but assured lawmakers that the budget would be presented to parliament soon.

“We are working very hard as a ministry to be able to table the budget to the cabinet as soon as possible. And after that it will come to the House. I am aware that we are behind,” he said.

The minister attributed the country’s economic challenges to global factors.

“All I want to say is that the economic crisis we have is not unique to South Sudan alone. And as leaders, we are aware of these facts. It is happening,” he said, adding that the government is taking steps to mitigate the impact on citizens.