JUBA — South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, has officially rescinded her controversial 90-day suspension of the Crawford Capital digital payment system.
The reversal, outlined in Memorandum No. 2/2026 dated March 13, 2026, brings a formal end to the institutional standoff, confirming that the minister yielded to direct instructions from Vice President H.E. Dr. James Wani Igga, chair of the economic cluster.
A Constitutional Defense
While complying with the vice president’s March 6 letter to pause her directives, Minister Atong utilized the new memo to mount a robust legal defense of her initial actions.
- “Good Faith” Intent: She stated that the original March 5 suspension was issued “in good faith” to save both the Ministry and the wider economy from collapsing under operational failures.
- Constitutional Mandate: The minister cited Article 114 (1) of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended). She argued this article legally establishes that a minister is the head of their ministry and their decisions “shall prevail,” unless explicitly reviewed by the National Council of Ministers or suspended by the president.
- Respecting the Council: She formally clarified that her previous memo was not an attempt to “dissolve, omit, or reverse” the collective Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. 34/2024, but rather an administrative attempt to review system challenges and serve the public interest.
Reluctant Compliance and a Demand for the SSRA
The suspension was canceled immediately. However, the language on the second page of the memo reveals that institutional friction remains high.
- Standing Firm on Principle: Minister Atong bluntly noted that her personal decision to review the Crawford Capital system “remains unchanged.” She is “obliged to respect the advice” of the vice president and chair of the economic cluster.
- Support for Digitization: She reaffirmed the Ministry’s broad support for e-services, automation, and integration into the East African Community system. This support is granted, provided it is executed systematically to avoid trade disruption.
- An Ultimatum for Transparency: In a final directive (NB), the minister gave an ultimatum to the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA). She demanded they provide a transparent account with “clear details.” She stated this accounting is necessary. It will enable the Ministry to issue a public circular disseminating the proper use of the e-service system.