(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan has firmly rejected claims circulating online that Governor Johnny Ohisa stated that rats damaged 3 trillion South Sudanese pounds in storage facilities.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday 23 June and signed by the bank’s communication department, the central bank said neither the Governor nor any authorised representative made such a statement. The sum of SSP 3 trillion is equivalent to approximately $517.2 million at the prevailing market rate of 5,800 SSP to the US dollar.
The bank described the claims as entirely fabricated and deliberately misleading. It said the information appeared to be intended to spread false reports and weaken public confidence in the country’s financial system.
The central bank condemned the sharing of unverified reports and directed the public, media organisations and social media users to disregard the allegations in full. It also urged people not to share or amplify content that distorts facts and adds to the spread of false information.
The statement noted that all official messages from the institution are issued only through approved channels. These include the Bank of South Sudan website, its official Facebook page and other recognised platforms.
The online reports emerged during a period of fiscal pressure for South Sudan’s government, which has affected its ability to meet spending commitments. Salary payments for civil servants and public sector workers have faced delays across several pay periods.
Before the bank issued its denial, analysts had noted that reports of currency losses raised questions about infrastructure, warehouse monitoring procedures and asset controls within financial institutions.