South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dismissed Finance Minister Awow Daniel Chuong, marking the sixth change in the position since 2020, state-owned television reported. Chuong, who assumed office in mid-March, was terminated without explanation, with economist Marial Deng appointed as his successor, the report disclosed late Wednesday.
South Sudan’s economy faces significant challenges, exacerbated by ongoing communal violence and reduced crude oil revenues following the 2013-2018 civil war. Recent disruptions in oil exports due to conflict in neighboring Sudan have added to the economic strain.
Central Bank Governor James Alic Garang reported in May that South Sudan’s foreign exchange reserves had reached historic lows. The International Monetary Fund forecasts inflation to soar to 54.8% this year.
President Kiir assumed office as South Sudan’s inaugural president in 2011, following the country’s independence from Sudan. The nation is preparing for upcoming elections in December, including presidential, parliamentary, and regional representative seats.
