South Sudan President Chairs Council of Ministers Meeting

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

In a significant session held on Friday, the Council of Ministers, led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, approved the fiscal year budget for 2025-2026, set at 7 trillion South Sudanese Pounds.

Following thorough discussions, the Cabinet instructed the Minister of Finance and Planning to present the budget to Parliament for further review and final approval.

Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth, highlighted that the proposed budget comes with a deficit of 1.5 trillion SSP, while assuring that the Minister of Finance is committed to enhancing revenue collection efforts to bridge this gap.

Makuei, serving as the government spokesperson, also reported that the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, delivered a proposal for constructing a vital road link between South Sudan and Ethiopia, which would eventually connect to the port of Djibouti. He emphasised the importance of this route for facilitating the transportation of crude oil to the international market.

During the meeting, President Kiir urged ministers to boost the performance of their respective ministries, stressing the importance of operational efficiency and accountability.

To combat revenue losses, the Cabinet announced a ban on unnecessary tax and duty exemptions that have previously cost the government substantial sums.

Additionally, the Council of Ministers resolved to enforce strict regulations, prohibiting any individual from signing loans on behalf of the government without adhering to the established legal procedures, thereby reinforcing the need to maintain the country’s financial integrity.