One of South Sudan’s best-known comedians, Rocka Ringo, has issued a public appeal to the government, warning that the country’s worsening economic hardship is pushing millions of citizens deeper into poverty and demanding a clear roadmap to address the soaring cost of living.
In an open letter addressed to government officials and shared on social media, the comedian said ordinary South Sudanese are struggling to meet their most basic needs as inflation continues to drive up the prices of essential goods and services.
“I am writing to formally request a clear and actionable roadmap outlining the government’s immediate and long-term plans to shield citizens from the crushing high cost of living in South Sudan,” he wrote.
Rocka Ringo said the country’s current economic conditions have placed food, clean drinking water, healthcare and education beyond the reach of many families.
“The rapid depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), combined with hyperinflation, has severely eroded the purchasing power of everyday citizens, public servants and low-income workers,” he said.
“Families are struggling to afford basic food items, clean drinking water, healthcare and school fees.”
The comedian, whose social media following extends across South Sudan and the region, outlined a series of questions he said require urgent government responses.
He called on the Bank of South Sudan to explain what concrete measures are being taken to stabilize the exchange rate and curb the growing parallel foreign exchange market, which many traders rely on for hard currency.
Rocka Ringo also questioned when the government intends to review public sector salaries to reflect the rising cost of living, while urging authorities to ensure civil servants are paid consistently and without delays.
He further appealed for greater investment in domestic agriculture, arguing that increasing local food production would reduce South Sudan’s dependence on costly imports from neighbouring countries and help ease pressure on household budgets.
The comedian also asked whether the government was considering temporary reductions in customs duties and taxes on essential food commodities and medical supplies entering the country, saying such measures could provide immediate relief to consumers.
In addition, he called for targeted social protection programmes for the country’s most vulnerable groups, including internally displaced people and low-income urban households, many of whom continue to face mounting economic pressures.
“Citizens require more than reassurance; they need measurable policy interventions,” Rocka Ringo said. “I look forward to seeing your detailed strategy and concrete actions to address this humanitarian and economic crisis.”
His remarks come as many South Sudanese continue to complain about the rising cost of living, with prices of food, fuel and other basic commodities remaining high in markets across the country.
The depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar has further increased the cost of imported goods, affecting households and businesses alike.
While the government has previously announced economic reform measures aimed at stabilising the economy, increasing non-oil revenue and strengthening the South Sudanese Pound, many citizens say they have yet to feel the impact of those policies on their daily lives.
Rocka Ringo’s intervention has attracted widespread attention online, with many users echoing his concerns and calling on authorities to communicate more clearly about the steps being taken to address the country’s economic challenges.
