NAIROBI, Kenya – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has replaced his finance minister for the sixth time since 2020, raising questions about the country’s economic direction as it grapples with a multitude of challenges.
Awow Daniel Chuong, who was appointed in March, was abruptly removed from his post on Wednesday, according to state-owned television. No official reason was provided for the dismissal. Economist Marial Deng will take over the critical role.
South Sudan’s economy has been teetering on the brink for years. Ongoing communal violence and a decline in crude oil exports, caused by the 2013-2018 civil war and recent disruptions in neighboring Sudan, have severely impacted the nation’s finances.
The situation is further compounded by dwindling foreign exchange reserves, which the central bank governor acknowledged at a low point in May. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund predicts a staggering inflation rate of 54.8% for 2024.
This leadership change comes just months before South Sudan heads to the polls in December for a crucial presidential election, alongside parliamentary and regional representative elections.
