The move by the government to clear pension arrears for retired public servants has garnered praise from civil society activist, Edmund Yakani, executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO).
On Monday, the Economic Cluster, chaired by Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, approved a sum of SSP 43 billion and $75 million for the settlement of pension arrears accrued between 2011 and 2023.
The announcement followed a meeting with key officials, including the Minister of Public Service, Dak Duop Bicok, and the Chairman of the South Sudan Pension Fund Board of Trustees, Angelo Deng Rehan, and the Fund’s General Manager, Mr. Edward Yier Yier.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Public Service said payments of the pension arrears are expected to start next month.
Although overdue, the move is seen as a positive step to address the financial hardships faced by former government employees.
In a statement seen by Standard Zone News, Yakani hailed the government’s decision as a positive and remarkable move.
He acknowledged the efforts of Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and the Minister of Public Service for reaching an agreement on settling the long-overdue payments.
“I would like to take this opportunity with high respect to appreciate H.E the vice president and chairperson of economic cluster, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, and I would like to appreciate also to the honorable minister of public service for reaching an agreement for settling the overdue Pension of pensioners in the government of South Sudan at a tune of 43 billion SSP, which is a good move, which is the remarkable move,” Yakani said.
For years, civil servants who retired after dedicated service to the government, both within South Sudan and abroad in foreign missions, have been advocating for the payment of their pensions.
Yakani stated that receiving one’s pension is a fundamental constitutional and labor right for every individual who has served in the public sector and reached retirement.
The activist added that clearing the backlog of pensioners is expected to create vacancies within the public service, opening up opportunities for younger, energetic South Sudanese to enter the workforce.
The issue of unpaid pensions has been a great concern in South Sudan. The inability of many retired public servants to access their rightful pensions has led to considerable financial distress.
The government said this move is part of efforts to restore dignity to retirees and build trust with current civil servants.
The Civil Service Pension Scheme Act of 2013 and the recently amended Pensions Fund Act of 2024 are part of the legal framework intended to govern these entitlements.
