In solidarity with wounded heroes, NAS calls for protests as civil servants await months of unpaid salaries
In a show of solidarity with the struggling citizens of South Sudan amid economic hardships, the National Salvation Front (NAS) has issued a call urging armed forces and civil servants nationwide to organise protests, demanding the prompt payment of their salaries, wages, and all other outstanding dues.
The call comes following a press release from NAS condemning the brutal attack on war veterans and wounded heroes who staged a protest on February 14th at the Ministry of Finance, seeking their delayed medical and upkeep dues. Regrettably, President Kiir’s security forces responded with extreme and excessive force, resulting in life-threatening injuries to the physically handicapped protesters.
Salaries, wages, and other dues are rights of every civil servant employed by the Government and must be paid promptly…
Reports indicate that civil servants and many organised forces have not received salaries since September 2023, an indefensible violation considering the government’s substantial monthly remittance from oil revenue, amounting to approximately 65 million US dollars.
Moreover, the recent statement from the Minister of Finance downplaying the 400% salary adjustment approved by the 2023/2024 budget, citing it as mere “numbers” and “projections,” raises concerns about the likelihood of salaries ever being paid. The minister expressed resource constraints, deeming it unsustainable.
Mr. Suba Samuel, NAS Spokesman, emphasises, “Salaries, wages, and other dues are rights of every civil servant employed by the Government and must be paid promptly, as failures or delays compromise the survival and well-being of these veterans, wounded heroes, and civil servants.”
Numerous reports and fact-finding investigations reveal favouritism within Kiir’s regime concerning salary payments. Military divisions aligned with Kiir’s regime and states governed by SPLM-IG allies are more likely to receive salaries than others, perpetuating an unjust system.
…under a NAS administration, such challenges will be addressed through appropriately
However, Mr. Suba reassures the people that these injustices under President Kiir’s government will not persist indefinitely. “NAS assures the people that under a NAS administration, such challenges will be addressed through appropriate legislation, schemes for public health, housing, pension, and the welfare of wounded heroes.”
Related:
Bak says 400% salary adjustment unsustainable – Eye Radio
Pay Day Loans and Backroom Empires: South Sudan’s Political Economy since 2018
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