South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed the country’s finance minister, who was only four months into the job, state-owned television reported. This marks the sixth change in the position since 2020.
According to the report on Wednesday, Kiir provided no reason for dismissing Awow Daniel Chuong, who was appointed in mid-March this year.
Economist Marial Deng has been selected to replace him as finance minister.
Amidst communal violence, South Sudan’s economy has faced significant pressure in recent years.
Crude oil export revenue has declined since the 2013-2018 civil war, and recent export disruptions caused by the conflict in neighboring Sudan have exacerbated the situation.
In May, Central Bank Governor James Alic Garang reported that South Sudan’s foreign exchange reserves had reached unprecedented lows.
Consumer price inflation is expected to sharply rise to 54.8% this year, according to projections from the International Monetary Fund.
Kiir assumed the presidency of South Sudan in 2011 following its separation from Sudan.
The nation is scheduled to conduct elections for president, parliamentarians, and regional representatives in December.