JUBA — A major institutional dispute has erupted within the South Sudanese government over the digitization of non-oil revenue. The Minister of Trade and Industry suspended a key digital payment contractor. Within 24 hours, both the Vice President for the Economic Cluster and the National Legislature intervened. They overruled the decision, citing legal violations and the risk of massive revenue leaks.
The rapid succession of official memos, dated March 5 and March 6, 2026, highlights ongoing tension. There is a disconnect between the government’s push for e-governance and the harsh infrastructural realities crippling state ministries.
The Trigger: Minister Atong Suspends Crawford Capital
On Thursday, March 5, Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk issued a directive. It initiated a “90-Day Administrative and Technical Review” of Crawford Capital. Crawford Capital is the private firm contracted to manage the ministry’s digital payment and e-service system.
The Minister ordered Crawford to promptly pause the issuance of import and export licenses. She instructed the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) to revert to “established Government financial forms and procedures” (manual collection). This was to guarantee uninterrupted fee collection.
In her memo, Minister Atong laid out a stark picture of the ministry’s operational collapse:
Infrastructure Failure: She cited the absence of constant electricity. Unstable internet connectivity also contributes to the problem. Additionally, insufficient staff training makes the digital system ineffective across the ministry’s 16 stations.
Economic Pressures: The Minister noted that fuel prices have surged to 12,000 SSP per liter. As a result, traders are unable to secure licenses.
Budget Freeze: Crucially, she revealed a critical issue. The Ministry of Trade is not receiving its allocated budget from the Ministry of Finance and Planning. This severely constrains its operational capacity.
The Pushback: VP Wani Igga Intervenes
The following day, March 6, 2026, the executive branch delivered a swift rebuke. Vice President H.E. Prof. James Wani Igga, Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, issued a formal letter. He ordered Minister Atong to “pause your order.” He also instructed her to consult the Ministry of Justice.
While acknowledging the connectivity and training challenges, the Vice President argued that the Minister overstepped her legal authority:
Collective Decision: VP Wani Igga pointed out that engaging Crawford Capital was a collective executive decision. It was cemented by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 34/2024 in September 2024. He stated that such a resolution “cannot be dissolved, omitted, or reversed by a single ministerial directive”.
Revenue Leakage Risk: He warned that making unilateral changes to the digital payment architecture pose several risks. It creates further revenue leakages. Additionally, there are legal liabilities for the Government.
The Legislature Issues an Ultimatum
On the same day, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) escalated the matter. Hon. Eng. Mayen Deng Alier is the Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Trade and Industry. He formally demanded that the Minister reconsider the suspension.
Presidential Order Violation: The parliamentary committee reminded Minister Atong of Presidential Republican Order No. 35/2025. This order explicitly mandated the use of the SSRA E-Government system. It called for the “immediate and total abolition of manual revenue collection”.
Demand for Evidence: The Committee requested that the Ministry promptly give them with “technical justifications” for the suspension. They announced plans to convene a joint consultative meeting among the Ministry, the SSRA, and Crawford Capital. This is to ensure that the review does not “undermine national revenue integrity”.