South Sudan’s president fires the seventh finance minister since 2020

South Sudan’s finance minister was fired by President Salva Kiir, who has replaced him seven times since 2020, according to state-run radio.

Kiir dismissed Marial Dongrin Ater, who had been in the position since July 2024, without providing an explanation. Athian Ding Athian, who held the role from 2020 to 2021, was announced to take it on state radio late Thursday.

Additionally, according to the radio, Kiir dismissed the minister in charge of investments.

With crude oil export earnings having declined during a civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018 and more recently due to disruptions in exports brought on by the war in neighboring Sudan, South Sudan’s economic performance has been hindered in recent years by community violence.

The International Monetary Fund projects that the economy would decrease by 4.3% in 2025 and that inflation will reach 65.7% at that time.

When South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, Kiir was elected as its first president.

There were concerns of a new conflict after First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in March.

Machar’s arrest, according to Information Minister Michael Makuei, was brought about by his communication with his supporters, “agitating them to rebel against the government with aim of disrupting peace so that elections are not held and South Sudan goes back to war.”

The charges are refuted by Machar’s group.