The Chairperson of the Society, Mr. Odong Anthony Okenyi said they established the cooperative group after they returned home from the refugee camp in the year 2022.

Anthony explained that the Cooperative Society will arrange loans and provide funds to the members at reasonable interest and sell their offerings at reasonable prices, thereby avoiding exploitation by middlemen.

He reveals that they formed a cooperative society with some thirty people who were later trained by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

“I was a refugee in the camp, I stayed for a long camp in Uganda, so after we came back, we started to form a group, the group was called CAN CAYO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE SOCIETY.”

“We start with a small group, we start with the number of thirty members, so from there we got training in farming as a business the training was conducted by GIZ, so after that again UNHCR came and did training to some members,” he said.

Odong stated that he went to the refugee camp twice back then in the 1983 SPLM/SPLA and the recent 2016 conflict

He mentioned that living in the camp was terrible as most of the people could not support themselves and their families forcing him to return home voluntarily.

“I went to the camp because of the war, two times the war of the SPLM/A movement in 1993 we went to Uganda, we stayed in the Acholpi refugee camp from there when there was a peace agreement we came back we formed a group.”

The Head of Can Cayo Multipurpose Cooperative Society further mentioned that the cooperative helps the entire community during the current inflation rate as the prices of the goods are cheap compared to the market prices.

He narrates that the cooperative is benefiting its members in terms of availing tuition fees for their children as most of them came from the camp.

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The Bank of South Sudan has warned to punish those doing illegal trading of foreign exchange without a valid license acquired at the Bank of South Sudan.

The Bank Governor Dr. James Alic Garang briefing the media in Juba on Friday 5th April on the measures his institution is taking to control the economy.

He says the Bank of South Sudan has completed phase three of the 45-day grace period and the reorganization of phase four, starting next week from April 8th, 2024.

“By the Foreign Exchange Business Act 2012, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Act 2012, it is henceforth illegal to deal in FX trading without a valid license from the Bank of South Sudan.” Dr. A.S. James Alic echoed.

The Governor broadly reiterates that all informal Foreign exchange dealers are required to obtain licenses and comply with the policy directive with immediate effect and urged the law enforcement agencies to diligently enforce this policy to ensure compliance.

“Following the successful completion of Phase III and the elapse of the 45-day grace period, the reorganization of the FX market has reached its final Phase IV, starting on April 8, 2024. 

This phase requires a more collective and coordinated approach as the FX Taskforce cracks down on the illegal trading of foreign currency on the streets of Juba City and throughout the country.”

He discouraged the abnormal hiking selling rate of foreign currencies saying the authorized dealers should ensure a small variability between buying and selling rates relative to the Bank of South Sudan reference rate and encouraged them to display the rates in their areas of operation and should also maintain a right spread.

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This follows the recent reduction of the exchange rate of the United States dollar against South Sudanese Pound.

Several traders have been accused of not decreasing the prices including fuel stations in the country after SSP gained strength against the dollar last week.

Minister Awow Daniel Chuang toured the market with the Bank Governor of South Sudan, the national minister of trade and industry, and Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor Sarah Nene Redento.

Hon. Daniel Chuang said, they visited the market and urged the traders to reduce commodity prices.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. William Anyuon Kuol echoed the same statement calling on the traders to have uniform prices of food items, and directing business owners to sell goods in South Sudanese Pounds, not in hard currency (USD).

The Governor of the Bank of South Sudan Hon. Dr. James Alic Garang, encouraged traders to open bank accounts from various commercial banks operating in the country to save their money instead of keeping it at home.

“We need to embrace and support an advanced electronic payment system”, Alic stressed.

The Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State Hon. Sarah Nene Rendento, also advised the business community in the country to use the E-tax government system for banking and transfer of cash.

The current exchange rate keeps fluctuating as 100 USD is sold at 180, a thousand Pounds in the black market while it costs 153,000 if bought at the bank rate.

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South Sudan had been experiencing an increase in market prices since the start of inflation which led to the deterioration of the economic situation across the Country.

Mr. Wol says the exchange rate of United States dollars against SSP has reduced from 2,300 Pounds per dollar to 1,800 SSP in the black market.

He calls on the traders of food items to stabilize the market price for the sake of citizens and the prices must be reduced to the current USD exchange rate.

Charles Aleu mentions that for any trader who fails to comply with these directives or rejects to reduce his/her market prices, the state government will automatically intervene.

He also asks the citizens to cooperate with the security organs in case they witness any trader who still sells at high prices at the current moment.

The chairperson of the trade chamber made these remarks to Voice of Hope radio on Monday at his office in Wau.

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The national Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Awow Daniel Chuong has promised to pay the government employees who undergo months without salaries.

In a press briefing earlier today [Thursday] the Minister vowed to pay a one-month salary arrears to the civil servants across the country who had not been paid for six months.

The move came following the country’s economic hardship due to the high inflation rate of United States Dollars against South Sudanese Pound.

Currently, $100 is changed at a rate of 230 thousand Pounds in the black market which makes commodities prices skyrocketing in the markets.

Hon. Daniel said despite the economic difficulties in the country, the government could pay October salary foremost to the organized forces and another civil servant in the coming weeks.

Minister highlighted that his government has been seeking funds from international monetary bodies that enabled them to secure cash to clear the public servants

He appealed to the South Sudanese to embark on agriculture production for a long-term solution that will make the country exit from the ongoing economic crisis.

Hon. Daniel discouraged the citizens from depending on oil production which has not been helping the country’s economy.

Minister Awow was appointed to replace Dr. Bak Bernaba who served for nearly nine months.

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The South Sudan Workers Trade Union (SSWTU) has raised alarm over the worsening economic situation in the country after prices of commodities increased in the past weeks.

Secretary General of the Union, George Paul Baya says the current economic state of affairs is very dire and requires quick intervention from concerned authorities.

He is deeply worrying about the situations of civil servants countrywide mostly affected by the economic meltdown.

Mr. Paul’s concerns of salary delay a problem with high instability in the market, barred some families from registering their children in schools and covering their medical bills.

The Union’s Secretary appeals to the government to quickly intervene and save the country from the current crisis.

Paul claimed that employees at the States and National Ministries have not received their salaries for five to seven months respectfully.

The SSWTU SG further calls on the National government to come to the aid of workers from Western Equatoria’s former 32 States who according to him have not received their salaries for three years now.

Catholic Radio Network couldn’t independently verify the claims made by the Union on the number of months civil servants were not paid. Last month, the Ministry of Finance and Planning announced to pay the government workers the salary of September 2023.

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This followed a week-long high increase in prices of transport fares and commodities in the market triggered by the high exchange rate of US dollars against the South Sudanese pound.

President Kiir has stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions to stabilize prices, promote economic growth, and ensure financial stability.

The Head of State directed members of the Economic Cluster to work on collaborative efforts, aimed at taming inflation and steering the nation’s economy towards sustainable growth.

According to the Presidential Affairs Minister Mister Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro , both President Kiir and the members present resolved to increase non-oil revenue collections and supply enough food into the markets at subsidized prices.

He added that the leaders also resolved to supply enough fuel to the country, allocate enough money to agriculture, and auction off a substantial amount of hard currency to stabilize the exchange rate.

They also resolved to ban the selling of dollars and other currencies on the streets and ban all illegal checkpoints throughout the country. The president then directed the security forces to implement the directives immediately.

The outcome of the meeting underscores a united commitment from the leaders to battle inflation and foster a conducive economic environment.

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Catholic Radio Network speaks to some vendors around market spots in Juba to find out how people are coping with the current economic situation.

Local vendor in Libya market, Betty Otto, a widow and mother of three says life has become unexpected due to the high cost of living that makes several people can’t afford to feed their families in Juba.

On Monday, transport fares increased from 500 -1,000 SSP while Soda is now sold at 1,000 compared to the previous price of 700 Pound.

She warned that people will die of hunger in the country unless the government intervenes to introduce new ways of survival for ordinary South Sudanese with low or totally no income for their households.

“I am saying this for our government to look into this situation, the dollar is not the currency of our country. The government should discuss such issues so that those of us who take care of orphans can get something to put on the table.”

“If this issue of the dollar continues like this and the government keeps quiet meaning they want to continue suffering even orphans too,” she stressed.

Betty expressed the suffering of her family to get feeding daily and her transport to the station a problem despite her small business which she said not fairing certificatory

“Now at the time the prices of things were good, I used to sell vegetables in the market and send them to school and they were eating something, but with this current situation of the dollar, everything has become hard even transport is costly and my kids are unable to go to school now they are just home.”

Another woman who was a consumer, Regina Santino, blames the government for not taking measures to reduce the rates of dollars in the country making it difficult for vulnerable people to buy food in the market.

Regina regrets the influx of refugees and returnees to Juba which has contributed to hard life in some households hosting them.

She calls on the government of South Sudan to support the returnees and refugees fleeing from Sudan with food and non-food items to reduce the cost of living in Juba.

Ms. Matiline Keji, one of the peanut paste sellers also uncertified over the income she generates daily and cannot support her family.

She is concerned about the cost of living in Juba saying the prices of food increase every hour including water people buy from the tankers.

“Everything increases every hour, you go to market in the morning you get different prices, you go in the afternoon, you get prices of things have increased. So our lives are at risk now we do not know what to do even though water tankers have increased from 1500 SSP to 2000 SSP.”

Kaji regrets the insecurity in the country making it difficult for people to embark on agriculture to reduce the high cost of living in the country.

“The issue is this country is not all that stable, lives in the village is not all that fine because of insecurity if this country was to be peaceful no insecurity, people are cultivating well, this issue of high food prices would have stopped. So we are crying to the government to fight and reduce the dollar rate because all the high prices of food commodities in the market are because of dollars.”

Meanwhile, one of the business people in Juba, Adam Ishaa said the issue of dollars is also affecting them in terms of getting customers.

Currently, $100 is selling at 165,000 Pound in the black market while the Bank of South Sudan sells it at 159,000 SSP.

He said three liters of cooking oil has increased from 6,000 – 11,500 Pound, while a kilogram of rice is sold at 3,000 compared to the initial price of 2,000 SSP.

“Live now is a problem even we the business people are fearing because once we raise the prices of goods, we are not getting customers because citizens cannot afford, and the more they are not buying, the more.”

“We continue losing because all those goods have the expiration dates. So the issue of the dollar has made life hard, but we are praying to God that change will come so that people can be able to eat something,” she said.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, the President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit, and leaders from economic institutions convened a crucial meeting to seek avenues to tackle the current drastic inflation in the country following a week-long high increase in prices of transport fares and commodities in the market triggered by the high exchange rate of US dollars against the South Sudanese pound.

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This followed the increases in food commodities’ prices that affected many people in the area citing the high rate of US dollars against local currency.

Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce Woll Charles Allew called the suppliers to explain why prices skyrocketed.

Woll says the inflation has nothing to do with the dollar rate since things are sold in the South Sudanese Pound.

Charles said that the Chamber of Commerce has coordinated and communicated with the capital, Juba, regarding prices, and they will discuss these issues with suppliers at the meeting, which is expected to take place on Monday.

According to the authorities, some suppliers expect an increase in the dollar and start increasing prices before the dollar rate increases.

Allew said that the Chamber of Commerce is facing challenges, but this week they will try to address the issue of prices.

He reassured citizens to be patient while the Chamber of Commerce is working to address the situation.

Mr. Charles appealed to the state and National government to intervene to address this issue for the sake of the citizens.

He said the Chamber of Commerce can price the markets, but the citizens will be harmed. That is why he appealed to the citizens not to lose hope from the Chamber of Commerce.

It is reported that over the past week, the country has witnessed an exaggerated rise in the prices of food and food supplies in the markets.

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The Regional Coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress (CEPO) advises the Government to use Cooperatives to condense Economic inflation especially the local currency against the Dollar in the country.

Stephen Robo Musa says that there should be a strong strategy to reduce the impact of the devaluation of pounds against dollar from the government through cooperatives to restrain the economic crises in the country.

He mentions that the government should encourage cooperatives because it is a quick solution to ease the livelihood of the community. After all, the government is not controlling the markets. 

Robo Musa stresses that some individuals are causing economic inflation because they are satisfied with what they gain.

Civil Activist urges the government to create and identify those who are after abnormal inflation.

He insists that there is a need for the government and the President to combat such devaluation of the pound against the Dollar with a good strategy.

Robo appeals to the entire people of South Sudan to abstain from the culture of violence and inter-communal fight to preserve the chance for cultivation and prevent inflation in the country.

He emphasizes that the only solution to end the devaluation is for citizens to put agriculture as their priority.

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The Center for Peace and Advocacy group (CPA) is deeply concerned about the increase in commodity prices citing high rate of US dollars against local currency.

CPA’s executive director Ter Manyang Gatwech says the cost of living is unbearable for helpless people to survive and blamed weak leadership in addressing these challenges.

The Activist is urging the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) to spreads the questioning of the Minister of Finance and Bank Governor over the shocked economic crisis.

Earlier this week, National Assembly summoned the Minister of Finance and Bank Governor following the high rate of dollars that cause prices sky rocking in South Sudan.

Gatwech adds that, lack of access to basic needs is leading to mental health problems among a majority of South Sudanese citizens.  He stresses that Citizens are struggling to afford basic necessities due to the rise in commodity prices.

“For instance, $100 is now equivalent to 145,000 SSP, which is a negative indicator for the country’s economy. Leaders are seemingly ignoring the issues faced by citizens, “Says the executive director.”

Ter states that South Sudan is the only country where public servants go without salaries and suggests the implementation of regulations for foreign traders by Bank iof south Sudan.

He says South Sudanese government should support local businesses to promote stability, development, and peace in the country.

CPA urges the International Labor Organization to hold the government accountable for failing to provide adequate wages and salaries to its citizens, unlike in other countries.

According to CPA, since the signing of the R-ARCSS in February 2020, South Sudan has not seen significant improvements in the lives of its citizens.
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Honorable John Agany who is also the spokesperson of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly says a supplementary budget is needed by the government for the activities of the elections.

“First on our agenda is the supplementary budget, because the supplementary budget is needed by the government for the installation of institutions of the election including the electoral commission, and they were not budgeted for so defiantly, the priority now is to pass the supplementary budget and the remaining bills that we have.”

Agany narrates that the election is compulsory as it’s mandated by the peace agreement and there is no way to bypass the elections.

“We are educated to believe that elections are compulsory because it’s something that was called by the peace agreement, you also know that the road map was a call by the peace agreement. So there is nowhere that we can do it.”

He adds that the life spent by the government will be blown out if they don’t quicken the process of making elections.

The spokesperson says the National parliament has passed the necessary laws that are needed for elections, and accepts the regulatory processes which are to be done regarding institutions.

The laws that are required for elections include the Political Parties Act and the Election Act among others.

“As far as the legislation is concerned elections, we have passed the necessary laws that are needed for elections. So in this regard, we are fully aware that there’s no law regarding the election that we have not passed.’

“You know that we have passed the Political Parties Act, the Election Act has already been passed, what remains are the regulatory processes which are to be done regarding institutions.”

It’s not enough to have a law to have an Act, but we should also have internal regulations, the electoral commission must have guidelines for parties to follow, “ said John Agany.”

He adds people must go for elections this time whether they are quick enough or not, they must go for elections.

The Chairperson of the standing specialized committee for information did not mention when the parliament will start their first season of sitting.

Since the members of the National Parliament went for recess last year 2023, they are yet to resume the sittings.

The Chairperson of the standing specialized committee for information spoke to the media on Wednesday at his office in Juba.

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This came after the Country Director of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern African countries Osman Dione paid a courtesy visit to the Bank of South Sudan.

He met Bank Governor Dr. James Alic Garang and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Barnaba Baak, The Bank website reported

Dione’s meeting with the two heads of the financial institutions focuses on strengthening financial inclusion, operationalizing payment systems, supporting the finance intelligence unit, and upgrading capacity building.

The World Bank Country Director in his remark appreciated the steps already taken by South Sudan financial institutions for reforms and encourage continues progress

The Governor of the Central Bank Dr. James Alic appreciated the effort put by the World Bank to reform financial institutions in the country.

Doctor Alic said an improved financial advancement holds promise for economic growth in South Sudan as the country is facing inflation which causes market breakdown and high prices due to a high rate of US dollars.

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In His New Year message, he says the government is working tirelessly to address inflation, reduce commodity prices, and boost domestic production to counter the cost of imports.

“Ever since the country descended into war in 2013, our economy has been under constant pressure and as a result, public servants have not received their salaries on time, whilst, spending on development programs is at an all-time low,” Kiir said.

President further said, his government never stopped standing with the people of South Sudan despite such challenges.

“We have never stopped exploring suitable policies that support economic recovery and growth for all,” he adds.

Earlier this year Civil servant’s salaries were increased to 400 percent to meet the current economic condition in South Sudan which was celebrated by many including the organized forces.

Mr. Kiir talks about peace and said significant progress was made in the implementation of the revitalized agreement to pave the way for an election in 2024.

“Notable achievements include graduation and deployment of the first batch of the unified forces, passing of critical legislations, and formation of important constitutional bodies,” Kiir stated.

The head of state calls on hold-out groups to lay down their arms and participate in the democratic process of the upcoming general elections. In his last remark, Kiir ordered the immediate release of 20 inmates with effects on 1st January 2024.

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The new policy aims to streamline foreign currency trading to allow South Sudan to stabilize the currency market and to stabilize prices to allow the bank’s mandate which is price stability.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Governor of the Central Bank of South Sudan Doctor James Alic Garang said the bank will coordinate with other stakeholders to organize the informal market under umbrella traders selling foreign exchange across the city.

“The Bank will continue to direct additional foreign exchange both to commercial banks and forex bureaus, this is done to meet the needs of the Public, the businesses, and other stakeholders that participate in the foreign exchange market. The Bank of South Sudan with other stakeholders organizes the informal market especially the umbrella that currently sells hard currencies outside the overview of the central bank.”

The governor of the South Sudan Central Bank authorized the currency traders operating on the streets to temporarily operate only in four locations across Juba.

“To this end, currency traders operating outside the jurisdiction of the central bank are authorized to strictly operate in four locations across Juba and this will start on Monday, December 4, 2023.”

The locations for the currency traders selling under umbrellas include Juba along Equity Bank of Juba, National Credit Bank, Customs Main Market, Jebel Main Market, and Konyo-Konyo Main Market.

He added that in the four locations, unauthorized dealers can operate openly under shades for 10 days before the bank implements the second phase which will require dealers to operate only under the decent structure.

“In the meantime, and under phase 1 in the four designated areas, unauthorized dealers can operate in the open, under shades or an umbrella for a period of 10 days up to December 14, 2023.”

Doctor James explained that after the 10 days, all the unauthorized dealers should form groups or associations and wait for further directives from the Central Bank of South Sudan and obtain licenses as foreign exchange bureaus.

He emphasizes that the Bank of South Sudan will fully engage other stakeholders including the Juba City Council and law enforcement agencies to curb, and apply the full force of the law on noncompliance market participants.

All these measures are geared towards streamlining the FX trading while mitigating the elated currency risks, “he explained.”

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