South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Finance Minister Marial Dongrin Ater, state-owned radio announced on Thursday, marking the seventh change in the key portfolio since 2020.
No reason was given for Ater’s removal, but state radio confirmed that Athian Ding Athian, who previously served as finance minister from 2020 to 2021, has been reappointed to the role.
Kiir also sacked the country’s minister of investment, though no successor was immediately announced.
The reshuffle comes at a time of mounting economic challenges for Africa’s youngest nation. Crude oil, South Sudan’s main source of revenue, has steadily declined since the country’s devastating 2013–2018 civil war. The ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan has further disrupted oil exports, deepening the economic crisis.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), South Sudan’s economy is expected to contract by 4.3% in 2025, with inflation projected to soar to nearly 66%.
Kiir, who has been in power since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, has faced growing pressure as political instability threatens the fragile peace. In March, First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest after the government accused him of inciting supporters to rebel — a move that raised fears of renewed conflict ahead of the country’s long-delayed elections.
