Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟐𝟖/𝟎𝟐/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚, 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧

𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧.

First and foremost, I would like to assure my family, friends, colleagues, and the citizens of our country that I am physically and mentally well. I have not been subjected to any harm or torture. I am in stable condition, except for a slight ankle injury resulting from a dislocation sustained during yesterday’s commotion.
I am currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital, the name of which I have chosen not to disclose for security reasons.

There have been circulating reports suggesting that I was attempting to escape the country due to alleged corruption-related charges, and that I was apprehended as part of a broader list of officials targeted for arrest. I categorically state that I have not been served with any warrant of arrest, and to the best of my knowledge, my name is not among any list of individuals wanted by the authorities.

My presence in Nimule was not an attempt to flee. It was a normal and lawful trip. I had sought and obtained permission to travel for medical treatment in Uganda. While en route, I intended to conduct a brief business survey in Nimule before proceeding across the border for treatment.

As is customary at the point of entry into Uganda, a physical inspection was conducted. During this process, officers found that I was carrying a sum of money, which they proceeded to confiscate. I requested clarification for such action, unfortunately, this led to a misunderstanding and a tense exchange. In the confusion that followed, I left the scene, during which I sustained the ankle dislocation.

I want to reiterate that I am currently under medical care and focusing on recovery. Once I am fully stabilized and fit to move comfortably, I will return to my residence.

For those seeking further clarification, my wife, Asunta, who visited me today, is aware of the circumstances and may be contacted directly. Kindly note that my phones were lost during yesterday’s incident, and I am presently unreachable via direct calls or WhatsApp.

I remain committed to transparency and to upholding my dignity and the rule of law. I thank all those who have expressed concern and solidarity during this time.

Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol
Former Minister of Finance and Planning
Juba, South Sudan

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

I want to reassure everyone that I am safe, in good health, and continuing with my normal activities.

The reports circulating on social media claiming that I have been arrested are completely false. I remain at peace and well.

I encourage everyone to rely on official and credible sources for accurate information.

May God bless you all, and may God bless South Sudan.

— Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞

I had a constructive engagement with the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Madam Anita Kiki, focused on strengthening cooperation between the Government of South Sudan and the United Nations.

Our discussion centered on priorities that directly impact our citizens; food security, durable solutions for displaced communities, life-saving humanitarian response, health sector support, and the continued implementation of peace.

As Minister of Finance and Planning, my commitment remains clear: development must translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of our people and strong coordination with our partners is essential to achieving sustainable progress.

We also discussed the South Sudan Development Plan (2026–2036), our ten-year framework designed to guide economic recovery and growth, stability, and long-term national transformation. I welcome the United Nations’ continued support toward the successful implementation of this plan.

Through responsible leadership, partnership, and accountability, we will continue working to build a resilient economy and a peaceful, prosperous South Sudan.

𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂-𝑴𝒐𝑭𝑷

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐑. 𝐁𝐀𝐊 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – Juba

Today, I met with the World Bank Group Country Manager for South Sudan, Mr. Charles Undeland, to discuss deepening the ongoing partnership between our institutions.
We reviewed the World Bank’s key projects being implemented in South Sudan, particularly in the areas of health, education, and water.

During a media briefing following our meeting, Mr. Undeland shared that the Bank plans to finance the construction of a fiber optic line aimed at improving internet connectivity and lowering prices in the country’s energy sector.

He reaffirmed the World Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Government of South Sudan in addressing economic challenges, and emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors to achieve our shared goals.

I reiterated the government’s steadfast dedication to economic stability and to ensuring that these partnerships continue to bring tangible benefits to our people.

𝐌𝐨𝐅𝐏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐒𝐑𝐀 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Today, Thursday, 12 February 2026, I held a constructive meeting with the leadership of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) to discuss how we can strengthen revenue collection and build systems that serve our nation more effectively.

Our discussions focused on key reforms: broadening the revenue base, modernising tax collection methods, and tackling persistent challenges that hinder revenue generation, with the goal of creating a system that is faster, clearer, and more reliable, benefiting both government and taxpayers.

These reforms are not simply technical adjustments; they are about ensuring that public resources are managed in ways that improve services, reinforce institutions, and build trust in our financial system, with results that citizens can experience in their daily lives.

Together with Commissioner General Hon. William Anyuon Kuol, the leadership of both institutions, and our technical teams, we agreed that stronger coordination, smarter use of technology, and clearer operational standards are essential to our progress.

I remain committed to working closely with all partners to deliver a modern, transparent, and efficient revenue system that supports development and serves the people of South Sudan.

𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 – 𝑴𝒐𝑭𝑷.

𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬

This afternoon, the 4th of February 2026, I addressed a press conference following a Resolution of the Council of Ministers endorsing the Economic Stabilisation and Structural Reforms as a framework to guide our response to the current economic challenges.

I want to be clear with our people about the priorities. The first is the payment of salaries and the protection of essential government services, including security, peace implementation, and elections. We will also limit non-essential spending and enforce stronger fiscal discipline to restore confidence in public finances.

We are taking steps to strengthen revenue collection, reform the oil sector, expand non-oil revenue, and cancel non-statutory tax exemptions. Together with the Bank of South Sudan, we will work to stabilise the currency, address liquidity challenges, and improve public finance management.

At the same time, we are focusing on the productive sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, trade, and small and medium enterprises, so that we can grow what we produce, create opportunities, and reduce our dependence on imports.

Our goal is simple: to stabilise the economy, protect livelihoods, and lay a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

𝐀 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧

Today, the 3rd of February 2026, I presented the FY 2025/26 National Budget to the Transitional National Legislature at a time when many families are still feeling the impact of high prices, economic hardship, and uncertainty.

This budget is about stabilising our economy, paying our workers, and restoring hope. We have allocated SSP 1.90 trillion for salaries to ensure civil servants and organised forces are paid, SSP 1.17 trillion for infrastructure development and SSP 842 billion for debt servicing to begin restoring our country’s financial credibility.

We are also taking firm action to stop revenue leakages, end illegal tax exemptions, strengthen enforcement, and fight smuggling, because every pound lost to corruption or inefficiency is a loss to our people.

While oil production is recovering, we know we must reduce dependence on oil. That is why we are preparing to introduce Value Added Tax in FY 2026/27, with exemptions for basic food, health, and education, to protect ordinary citizens.

This is not a budget of promises; it is a budget of discipline, responsibility, and recovery. I believe together, we can rebuild confidence in our economy and create a more stable future for our nation.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞

On the 2nd of February 2026, I took part in a high-level meeting at the SPLM National Secretariat with Party leadership and state chairpersons to review the current economic situation in our country.

I briefed the leadership on the work the Ministry of Finance and Planning is doing to stabilize the economy, improve revenue collection, and ensure that salaries and essential services for civil servants and organized forces are paid on time.

We had a frank and constructive discussion about the challenges we face. While these challenges are serious and long-standing, we reaffirmed our shared responsibility to find practical and sustainable solutions that protect public welfare and keep essential state services running.

The well-being of civil servants, the organized forces, and the uninterrupted delivery of public services remain at the heart of our work. We will continue to engage Parliament and other key stakeholders to secure stability and progress for all South Sudanese.