The president of South Sudan has dismissed the finance minister after only three months in the position

South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced the dismissal of Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol during a reshuffle broadcasted on state television on Monday evening.

Chol took on the role in November following the president’s decision to dismiss Athian Diing Athian, who had been in the position for only two months.

Kiir has appointed Salvatore Garang, an economist who received his training at the University of Khartoum in Sudan, to serve as the new finance minister.

Garang held the position of finance minister from 2018 to 2020, a time characterized by economic reforms and fiscal challenges.

In his initial time in the position, local media indicated that Garang was confronted with corruption allegations, notably that he designated $100,000 to pay for his son’s funeral expenses. No comments have been made regarding the allegations.

The decree additionally dismissed several other high-ranking officials, including the commissioner general of the National Revenue Authority, as part of the wider administrative adjustments.

Experts indicate that Kiir frequently alters positions within the military and government to assert his authority while facing armed conflict and ongoing speculation regarding his future succession.

The ninth change in the finance minister since 2020 occurred without any explanation provided.