The serious economic inflation in the country necessitates the prompt payment of civil servant salaries.
The government should address this situation and uphold the rights of its workers. Months have passed since promises were made to increase civil servant salaries and ensure timely payment. The ministry should not exploit the vulnerable people of this nation while its members enjoy comfort, knowing that these same individuals are hungry and in need of essential services.
The presidency consistently issues directives to the Ministry of Finance and Planning for the payment of civil servant salaries. However, these directives appear ineffective, even after the resumption of oil flow following Sudan’s lifting of force majeure. While this development seems positive, statements from top leadership sometimes appear to be mere attempts to appease civil servants, with promises becoming commonplace but remaining unfulfilled. The pledges made by the economic cluster to pay civil servants after the 24th of each month have not materialized.
Citizens are enduring hardship, facing hunger and going without salaries for months, even years, amidst this economic crisis. It is as if the country is still grappling with the depression it experienced under the Sudanese regime from which the South seceded, raising questions about the purpose of the struggle for independence. Is this nation truly stable, or is this merely a temporary state? Many questions demand answers from our leaders, yet each question elicits a profound response. The situation in South Sudan is dire, with many struggling to afford a single meal. Some households in Juba go hungry, and tragically, some individuals have lost their lives. Others are traumatized, talking to themselves while working, a reality unknown to leaders in their air-conditioned offices.
As Head of State, you must recognize that after fighting for freedom, your duty is to ensure the well-being of your citizens, so that you will be remembered as a liberator who brought peace to the country, much like other African leaders who fought for their nations’ freedom and were not misled by negative influences. The current situation is extremely challenging, marked by a lack of salaries, insecurity, and precarious employment as businesses continue to close. Despite the country’s resources, there has been no improvement. Leaders often behave like deceivers, making promises that are never kept – a shameful and contemptible practice against the citizens.
I appeal to you, the Head of State, to understand the plight of the citizens and to show gratitude by paying the meager salaries they are entitled to. The strength of a nation rests not solely on its leaders. If there are misguided advisors around you, please remove them for the sake of this country’s future.
God Protect South Sudan
Be the Spectator