President Kiir To Downsize Government A Year Into Independence

This article was last updated on May 25, 2022

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“The size of our government in the payroll is very large compared to other countries”, said Kiir. President Kiir was speaking at the first Independence anniversary celebrations at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum in Juba.
   
He said his government cannot afford the huge payroll at this time of tough economic measures occasioned by the February shutdown of oil production. President Kiir warned of tough challenges ahead as the new nation grapples with internal and external challenges.

“We still depend on others, our liberation is still incomplete. We must be more than liberated if we are to be independent economically. In the first year, we have been able to set the foundation for a democratic, inclusive and pluralistic government”.

According to Kiir, more 30 laws have been enacted including the Political Parties Act and the Elections Act.

He said the rule of law is the cardinal principle for security and the basic element in building confidence for investors. The President said the demand for more counties will have to wait because some of the existing ones still operate under deplorable conditions.

South Sudan marked its first anniversary of independence following its secession from Sudan last year. The secession emanated from the historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) with Khartoum in 2005 that brought to an end more than 20 years of civil war.

At least 2.5million people were reportedly killed and four million others displaced as a result of the war.

Foreign dignitaries attended the function, including the Chief Guest, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and African Union Commission Chairperson Jean Ping. The UN Secretary General was represented by his Special Envoy in South Sudan Hilde Johnson.

The colourful event was marked by a military parade and traditional dances from the various communities in the new nation amidst tight security.