South Sudanlegal & regulatory news

South Sudan President Salva Kiir: No More Bank Cash Shortages

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has directed the new central bank governor, Addis Ababa Othow, to implement urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the banking system and improve liquidity. This directive comes after Kiir appointed Othow as the governor of the Bank of South Sudan on Friday, replacing Johnny Ohisa who was dismissed without reason. The legal significance of this development lies in the government's renewed commitment to addressing the persistent cash shortages that have plagued the country's banking sector for years. The issue has strained the sector and eroded public trust in the financial system. Kiir's warning to officials to fix the loophole and ensure customers can access their deposits is a clear indication that the government recognizes the need for drastic measures. The relevant legal context involves the Banking Act of South Sudan, which governs the operations of commercial banks in the country. The Act requires banks to maintain adequate liquidity levels to meet customer withdrawals. However, the cash shortages have persisted despite repeated government pledges to address the problem. The central bank's role in regulating and supervising commercial banks is also crucial in this context. The key parties involved are President Salva Kiir, Addis Ababa Othow (the new central bank governor), Johnny Ohisa (the former central bank governor), and the Bank of South Sudan. Practitioners should monitor the implementation of reforms by the new central bank governor and the government's commitment to addressing the cash shortages. Attorneys representing clients with deposits in commercial banks should also be aware of the potential impact of these developments on their clients' access to their funds.

South Sudan President Kiir Urges Peace on Martyrs' Day

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit led the country in commemorating Martyrs Day on Thursday, paying tribute to those who died during the country's liberation struggle and urging citizens to promote peace. The legal significance of this event lies in its emphasis on promoting peace and unity among South Sudanese citizens. As a nation still recovering from decades of conflict, it is crucial for leaders like President Kiir to remind citizens of the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and encourage them to work towards a peaceful future. This message is particularly relevant given the ongoing efforts to rebuild and stabilize the country. The commemoration of Martyrs Day is rooted in South Sudan's history and its struggle for self-determination. The day is observed annually on July 30 to commemorate John Garang de Mabior, the late founding leader who died in a helicopter crash in 2005, as well as other South Sudanese who lost their lives during decades of conflict with Sudan. The ceremony included a minute of silence in memory of those who died during the liberation war. The key parties involved in this event are President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the government officials, members of the security forces, diplomats, veterans, and members of the public who attended the ceremony. As practitioners, it is essential to monitor developments related to peacebuilding and nation-building efforts in South Sudan, as these initiatives have significant implications for the country's stability and development.

Tello General Trading Company Limited Launches South Sudan Operations

The industrial chemical supplier Tello General Trading Company Limited has officially launched operations in Juba, South Sudan, marking its expansion into the country's market. This development is significant for practitioners and businesses operating in South Sudan's petroleum sector, as it brings a new player to the market that can supply specialty chemicals for oil production. The company plans to cater to various industries, including mining, water treatment, and pest control. This expansion is critical for driving national development, particularly in the context of South Sudan's vast oil sector needs. The relevant statutes and regulations governing industrial chemical suppliers in South Sudan include the Petroleum Act 2015 and the National Oil Company Act 2012. The Ministry of Petroleum plays a crucial role in regulating the industry, as evident from Advisor Machar Achiek Ader's comments on providing full regulatory guidance to support Tello General Trading's operations. The key parties involved are Tello General Trading Company Limited, the Ministry of Petroleum, and the National Oil Company. Practitioners should monitor this development closely, particularly in relation to the company's plans to establish a local manufacturing plant and create jobs. This could have significant implications for supply chains and the overall economy of South Sudan. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses operating in South Sudan's petroleum sector should be aware of Tello General Trading Company Limited's expansion into the market and its potential impact on supply chains and national development.

Tut Gatluak Meets Al-Burhan to Discuss South Sudan Oil Exports Through Sudan

South Sudan's presidential security adviser, Tut Gatluak Manime, met with Sudan's army chief and head of the Transitional Sovereign Council, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Khartoum on Wednesday to discuss bilateral ties, regional security, and oil cooperation. The meeting comes despite recent tensions between the two countries over the disputed Abyei region, which has been a point of contention since South Sudan's independence from Sudan in 2011. The dispute centers around the territory's status as a buffer zone between the two countries, with each side claiming sovereignty over it. The meeting is significant because it highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, despite their differences. The legal context of this development is rooted in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005, which established the framework for South Sudan's independence and provided for the demarcation of borders. The CPA also established the Abyei Area Administration, which was tasked with managing the territory until its final status could be determined. However, the dispute over Abyei has continued to simmer, with each side accusing the other of violating agreements and undermining stability in the region. The key parties involved in this development are the governments of South Sudan and Sudan, as well as regional organizations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union. The meeting between Gatluak and Burhan is a positive step towards strengthening cooperation between the two countries and addressing the outstanding issues related to Abyei. Practitioners should monitor this development closely, as it has significant implications for regional stability and economic cooperation between South Sudan and Sudan. Attorneys advising clients on business or investment opportunities in the region should be aware of the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and address the dispute over Abyei.

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Kiir Reappoints Addis Ababa Othow as South Sudan Central Bank Governor Amid Economic Crisis

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reappointed Addis Ababa Othow as governor of the Bank of South Sudan, replacing Johnny Ohisa Domian who was fired on Wednesday. The move comes amidst a severe economic crisis in the country, marked by soaring inflation and cash shortages. The legal significance of this development lies in its potential impact on the country's monetary policy and financial stability. As governor of the central bank, Othow will be responsible for implementing policies to stabilize the economy and address the current cash shortages. Practitioners should monitor how these policies unfold and their effect on businesses and individuals. The relevant legal context is the Banking Act 2012, which governs the operations of the Bank of South Sudan. The Act empowers the governor to implement monetary policy and regulate the banking sector. Othow's reappointment also raises questions about the role of the central bank in addressing the country's economic crisis. The key parties involved are President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who made the appointment, and Addis Ababa Othow, who will now lead the Bank of South Sudan. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported, but practitioners should be aware of any developments that may affect businesses and individuals in South Sudan. Practitioners should monitor how the new governor addresses the country's economic crisis and implement policies to stabilize the economy. They should also be aware of any changes to the Banking Act 2012 or other relevant laws that may impact their clients' businesses.

Rumbek petrol station attack kills civil defense officer in South Sudan

The police in Lakes State, South Sudan, are investigating the killing of a civil defense officer at a petrol station in Rumbek Town. The incident occurred on Tuesday at 3:15 a.m., when an unknown gunman shot and killed Manyiel Achut Ater while he was on guard duty. This development is significant for practitioners as it highlights the ongoing security concerns in South Sudan, particularly in rural areas. The killing of a civil defense officer raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect citizens and personnel involved in maintaining law and order. It also underscores the need for improved coordination between security agencies to prevent such incidents. The incident is being investigated by the police in Rumbek Town, with Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Mabor Makuac Ater confirming that the attackers fled the scene after shooting the officer multiple times. The medical director at Rumbek State Hospital has also confirmed the postmortem examination results, which revealed multiple gunshots to the chest and legs of the deceased. The relevant statutes and regulations governing security in South Sudan include the National Security Act 2011 and the Police Act 2008. The incident is likely to be reviewed by the relevant authorities to assess the adequacy of security measures in place and identify areas for improvement. Practitioners should monitor this development as it may have implications for the provision of security services in rural areas. The key parties involved in this incident include the police in Rumbek Town, the civil defense officer who was killed, and the unknown gunman responsible for the shooting. The relatives of the deceased are also involved, having taken the body home for burial after postmortem examinations were conducted.

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