Power and Money: Former Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor Taken by Security Forces

Juba, February 27, 2026

Savanna Radio News Desk

 

South Sudan’s political and economic tensions deepened today as security forces detained a former national finance minister Marial Dongrin and a former central bank governor Moses Makur Deng, raising fresh concerns about rule of law, transparency, and the state of the country’s fragile economy.

Security agents in Juba have arrested a former minister of finance and a former governor of the Bank of South Sudan, sources close to the families and government confirmed on Thursday. The two senior ex-officials were reportedly picked up from their residences and taken to an undisclosed location, with no formal charges publicly announced at the time of this report.

According to people familiar with the situation, plainclothes and uniformed security personnel arrived at the homes of the former finance minister and the former central bank chief in the early hours of the day. Neighbors and relatives say the officers did not present any written arrest warrants, but ordered the two to accompany them for “questioning.”

Family members are said to be deeply worried as they have not been officially informed of where their relatives are being held or the precise reasons for their detention. Calls and inquiries to relevant security offices have reportedly gone unanswered or been met with vague assurances that the men are “helping with investigations.”

 

Possible Motives and Context

The detentions come against a backdrop of increasing public frustration over inflation, currency instability, and persistent salary delays for civil servants and soldiers. The former finance minister and the ex-central bank governor both previously occupied key positions at the heart of South Sudan’s financial system, where they would have been directly involved in decisions around public spending, foreign exchange management, and loan negotiations.

Political analysts say the arrests might be linked to:

• Internal power struggles over control of state finances and monetary policy.

• Efforts to find scapegoats for the deteriorating economic situation and public anger.

• Investigations, real or perceived, into corruption, mismanagement, or unauthorized financial dealings.

Without an official statement, however, the true motives remain unclear, fueling speculation on social media and in political circles.

 

Reactions and Concerns

News of the detentions quickly spread through Juba and the diaspora, sparking a wave of reactions:

• Human rights advocates and legal practitioners are calling for transparency, due process, and immediate access to lawyers and family members.

• Some citizens support the move, hoping it signals a genuine crackdown on corruption.

• Others fear this is another politically motivated action aimed at silencing or intimidating former officials who may hold sensitive information or differing views.

Observers warn that arbitrary or opaque arrests of high-profile figures risk further undermining investor confidence and deepening mistrust in state institutions at a time when South Sudan is already under pressure to implement reforms and prepare for credible elections.

 

Implications for Governance and the Economy

The detention of two former top economic managers sends a strong signal about the tense intersection of politics and finance in South Sudan. Diplomats and economic experts note that:

• It could chill open debate inside government about economic reform, as officials become more fearful of personal repercussions.

• It may complicate ongoing negotiations with international partners, lenders, and donors who already demand more transparency and accountability.

• It underscores how the security sector continues to play a decisive role in political and economic disputes.

If not handled with transparency and respect for the law, the incident could deepen perceptions that security institutions are being used as tools in elite political battles rather than instruments of national security and justice.

 

What’s Next

Savanna Radio will continue to follow this developing story and seek:

• Official comment from the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank.

• Clarification from security authorities on the legal basis for the detentions and the whereabouts of the former officials.

• Reactions from regional and international partners monitoring governance and human rights in South Sudan.

Until then, families and citizens alike are left waiting for answers, as the arrests highlight once more the fragile balance between power, accountability, and economic survival in South Sudan.