South Sudan’s minister vows to fight corruption, pay civil servants

November 17, 2021 (JUBA) – The newly appointed South Sudanese Finance minister, Agak Achuil Lual has vowed to fight corruption, enhance non-oil resource generation and pay civil servants on time.

Speaking during his reception at the ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday, Lual outlined plans for his new assignment, acknowledging how corruption retards the country’s development.

The minister pledged to work with all officials in the Finance ministry and institutions to combat corruption, saying proper management of the resources would allow the country to generate resources to pay all civil servants on time as well as execute developmental projects.

Speaking exclusively to Sudan Tribune, Lual pledged to work with all people and institutions to implement the ruling party’s (SPLM) vision.

“I accepted the assignment given to me by His Excellency the President of the Republic, General Salva Kiir Mayardit as an honour, and I will do my best to help him serve our people and to deliver on the vision of SPLM [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement]. I know challenges are enormous, but with the support of everyone, we will overcome and deliver services to our people,” he explained.

Lual also warned officials at the ministry against accepting kickbacks.

“If we pay people on time, work together as a team to improve how we collect our non-oil revenues, focus on our duties, and ensure we do them diligently and responsibly, we will not have these allegations talking about 10%. 10% for what”? he asked.

Revenues from oil resources account for 90% of South Sudan’s annual budget.

Last week, President Kiir sacked former Finance minister, Athian Diing Attian over alleged failure to reveal the amount of money in the treasury.

(ST)