South Sudan’s President Kiir Fires Finance Minister, Shuffles Cabinet

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has fired Finance Minister Marial Dongrin Ater and the investment minister, appointing Athian Ding Athian as the new finance minister. The moves come amid economic struggles and ongoing political tensions following First Vice President Riek Machar’s house arrest.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has removed the country’s finance minister, according to an announcement by state-owned radio, marking the seventh change in that position since 2020. President Kiir did not provide a reason for the dismissal of Marial Dongrin Ater, who had held the role since July 2024. State radio reported late Thursday that Athian Ding Athian will now take over as finance minister. Athian previously held the same position between 2020 and 2021, indicating a return of experienced leadership to the ministry.

In addition to this change, President Kiir also dismissed the minister responsible for investment, although the names and further details regarding that appointment were not immediately provided. These personnel changes come at a time when South Sudan’s economy is struggling to recover from the long-term effects of civil conflict and ongoing political instability.

The country has faced a series of economic hurdles in recent years, largely stemming from communal violence and instability. Revenue from crude oil exports, which constitute a major portion of South Sudan’s income, has steadily declined since the 2013-2018 civil war. The situation has been further compounded by export disruptions linked to recent conflicts in neighbouring Sudan, affecting trade routes and the supply of crude oil. Economic analysts warn that these issues have left South Sudan particularly vulnerable to shocks, contributing to the government’s urgent need to stabilize its economic leadership.

The International Monetary Fund has forecast a contraction of 4.3% in the South Sudanese economy in 2025, accompanied by an inflation rate of 65.7% for the same period. These projections highlight the significant challenges faced by the country, including the management of its oil-dependent economy, rising prices, and the pressure to maintain public services amid fiscal constraints.

Salva Kiir became South Sudan’s first president in 2011 following the country’s declaration of independence from Sudan. Since then, he has faced the difficult task of maintaining unity in a nation plagued by inter-communal conflicts and political rivalries. Earlier this year, in March, First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest, an event that raised fears of renewed political violence. Information Minister Michael Makuei explained that the arrest was linked to Machar contacting his supporters, which the government described as attempts to “agitate them to rebel against the government with the aim of disrupting peace so that elections are not held and South Sudan goes back to war.” Machar’s political party has strongly denied these allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

Observers note that the recent dismissals of the finance and investment ministers may reflect President Kiir’s attempt to consolidate control over key economic positions amid these broader political and economic uncertainties. With South Sudan navigating declining oil revenues, high inflation, and a fragile political climate, the leadership changes signal the government’s focus on addressing both economic management and political stability, although the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.