July 9th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan President, Salva Kiir Mayardiit, has blamed the huge financial mismanagement in the world’s youngest nation on poor management in the country’s revenue institutions.
Kiir made the remarks while speaking in a televised address to the nation that marked the 8th Independence Day celebration.
The president further blamed the ongoing civil war for also being a contributing factor to the deteriorating economic and financial system that has been forcing the government to delay civil servant salaries and those of the country’s army.
“Let me admit that over the last four years my government encountered serious financial challenges, some of which are the result of weak governance in our revenue generating institutions, but mainly due to the internal war,” Kiir said referring to the ongoing conflict which started following a disagreement in December 2013 between him and former vice-president – now a rebel leader – Dr. Riek Machar.
The head of state further said he ordered the ministry of finance to handle the issue of salaries delay and make sure that civil servants’ salaries are paid on time promising that he will make a follow up with the relevant authorities at the finance ministry to make sure that the promise is delivered.
“ ….. my government undertook several resolutions directing the Ministry of Finance and Planning to pay all the outstanding arrears of our workforce and schedule prompt payment of salaries to the employees of the Republic of South Sudan at both the national and state levels of government,” Kiir said.
“I am reliably informed that finally progress is being made in that regard and I promise you that I will personally follow that up,” Kiir added.
