Story perspectives

South Sudan Ex-Finance Minister Arrested Amid Growing Instability

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bak Barnaba Chol, former South Sudan finance minister, was arrested while crossing into Uganda.
The arrests follow detentions of other senior officials, including a former central bank governor, amid instability.
Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said the arrests arise from financial irregularities, not politics.
Analysts say the detentions signal a weakening of President Salva Kiir's coalition.
The U.N. reports violence and displacement, and Washington calls for renewed peace talks.

1 of 1

Story summary

Bak Barnaba Chol, former South Sudan finance minister, was arrested while crossing into Uganda.
The arrests follow detentions of other senior officials, including a former central bank governor, amid instability.
Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said the arrests arise from financial irregularities, not politics.
Analysts say the detentions signal a weakening of President Salva Kiir's coalition.
The U.N. reports violence and displacement, and Washington calls for renewed peace talks.