Sep 19, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — South Sudan president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, presided over the swearing in of the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Planning, Athian Diing Athian whom he appointed two days ago to replace his long-term financial ally, Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit.
The oathtaking ceremony was administered by the Chief Justice, Chan Reech Madut, at the State House on Friday.
In attendance, were the Minister of Cabinet affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Gamal Abdala Wani, Director General of National Custom Service, Akol Ayii Madut, and the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner General of National Revenue Authority, Africano Mande.
Speaking after the oathtaking ceremony, President Salva Kiir encouraged the newly appointed Minister of Finance to double his efforts to succeed in his assignment. President Salva Kiir urged Athian Diing Athian to find a better mechanism to address demands of the people in the Ministry of Finance.
President Salva Kiir said, if the non-oil revenues were collected in good faith by the tax collectors, the government would have enough revenues in the financial system.
In addition, President Salva Kiir urged the financial institutions to put a limit on tax exemptions, stating that there are some items that should not be exempted to tax.
The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro said that the government cannot succeed in its work if the financial system is not fixed and urged the new Minister of Finance to work as a team with his colleagues to improve the financial system of the country.
On his part, the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Planning, Diing Athian said he will work with his colleagues as a team to transform the Ministry of Finance, Athian Diing pledged that, there are no problems that are impossible to solve.
President Salva Kiir appointed Athian Diing Athian as a Minister of Finance and planning on 16th September 2020, replacing Salvatore Garang Mabiordit.
Athian Diing Athian was once a deputy Minister of Finance and economic planning in 2018.
