Oil Export Resumption Allows South Sudan to Pay Workers Two Months’ Salaries

(Juba) – South Sudan’s civil servants and armed forces have received their salaries for February and March 2025 after months of delays, Vice President for Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel announced, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving public service delivery.

Vice President Bol stated on 24 March that he had fulfilled his promise to ensure timely salary payments on the 24th of every month. He also revealed plans for a roadmap to gradually clear all outstanding salary arrears owed to government employees. To facilitate this, the Bank of South Sudan has created a special public salary account, which is solely dedicated to salary disbursement.

The government has faced financial challenges in meeting its obligations due to the disruption of crude oil exports. The main pipeline transporting oil from South Sudan through Sudan was damaged during the war in Sudan in February 2024, causing a major economic crisis. With the pipeline now repaired, oil exports have resumed, allowing the government to generate revenue for salary payments.

Some civil servants, particularly in Eastern Equatoria, have reacted with frustration after receiving only one month’s salary in Torit. Minister of Finance Peter Lokuju Lotirmoi confirmed the payments, urging patience as the government works to clear outstanding arrears. He assured employees that March salaries would be disbursed within a few days.

Opposition Member of Parliament Kokol Michael welcomed the payments but emphasised that these are arrears rather than regular salaries. He called on the vice president to implement economic reforms to stabilise the South Sudanese pound, which has lost value against the US dollar. The weakening currency has severely affected the purchasing power of civil servants, making it difficult for them to meet their daily needs.

Civil servant Ajok Grace expressed frustration over the long delays, saying that many workers have been struggling for over a year without salaries. She noted that while receiving one month’s pay is better than nothing, it is not enough to cover the debts and hardships accumulated during the salary freeze. She added that a payment covering at least three months would have made a more meaningful difference.

Salary Disbursement Overview

The government’s ability to maintain consistent salary payments will be closely watched in the coming months, as workers demand economic stability and an end to repeated delays.