South Sudanese authorities have arrested former finance minister Bak Barnaba Chol while he attempted to cross into Uganda, the latest in a series of high-level detentions.
The arrest follows that of former finance and planning minister Marial Dongrin Ater, alongside a former central bank governor and other senior officials.
Government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said the detentions were “not political” and linked to investigations into alleged monetary irregularities.
Key developments:
• The World Bank estimates South Sudan’s economy contracted by 24% in 2025.
• Over 60% of oil output has been disrupted by pipeline damage in neighbouring Sudan.
• Opposition leader Riek Machar, suspended as deputy, remains under house arrest and on trial.
Analysts, including Daniel Akech of the International Crisis Group, warn the arrests may signal strain within President Salva Kiir’s governing coalition as economic pressures and armed rebellion intensify.
ℹ️ AP News
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