JUBA, Feb 25 – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dismissed Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol after about three months in office and named former minister Salvatore Garang as his replacement, a presidential decree read on state television showed on Monday.
Chol was appointed in November following the removal of Athian Diing Athian, who himself had served roughly two months. The latest decision marks the ninth change in the finance ministry since 2020, based on official announcements.
Garang, an economist trained at the University of Khartoum, previously led the finance ministry from 2018 to 2020. His earlier tenure coincided with economic reform efforts and fiscal pressure in the oil dependent economy.
Local media during that period reported corruption allegations against Garang, including claims that about $100,000 in public funds was approved to cover his son’s funeral expenses. He has not publicly commented on the reports.
The decree also removed several senior officials, including the commissioner general of the National Revenue Authority. Authorities did not provide reasons for the reshuffle.
Analysts in the capital Juba say Kiir frequently reorganizes senior government and military positions while managing political tensions and security challenges in the country. South Sudan has struggled with instability since the 2018 peace agreement between rival factions.
The finance ministry oversees oil revenue, public spending and currency management, making it central to economic policy. The government has not announced immediate policy changes following Garang’s appointment.
