Watchdog asks parliament to address worsening economic crisis

JUBA – A South Sudanese civil society group, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), has urged the country’s parliament to take immediate action to address the deepening economic crisis.

In a statement signed by its executive director Ter Manyang Gatwech, the CPA highlighted the rising cost of basic goods and unpaid salaries for civil servants, creating significant hardship for citizens.

“The increasing prices of commodities in the market are making it difficult for ordinary citizens to afford even a single meal per day,” the statement said.

“This situation has been worsened by the fact that the majority of civil servants have not received their salaries for the past seven months,” the statement added.

The group expressed concern about the impact on young people, citing a lack of job opportunities and changes in behavior.

They also noted the high expectations placed on the current government upon its formation in February 2020.

“The country is heading in the wrong direction due to this economic crisis,” warned CPA executive director Ter Manyang. “While senior citizens enjoy the privileges of the country, ordinary citizens are suffering.”

The CPA called on parliament to prioritize the issue and summon key officials for questioning, including the Finance Minister, the Chair of the Finance and Economics Committee, and the Central Bank Governor.

They also raised concerns about South Sudan’s failure to meet minimum wage standards set by the International Labour Organization.

“With money from oil and other non-revenue sources, CPA questions why there are delays in paying civil servants,” the statement concluded.

“We call for immediate intervention and quick action to prevent the country from facing another disaster due to these impending issues.”