06/03/2026
Why Minister Atong Kuol Is Right to Question the Crawford Digital Payment System
The decision by Vice President Wani Igga to reject Trade Minister Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk’s request to suspend the Crawford Digital Payment System for a 90-day review raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in South Sudan’s public financial management.
Minister Atong’s request was not unreasonable. Asking for a temporary suspension and a technical and administrative review of a system that manages a significant portion of the country’s revenue collection is a responsible step. Any system that handles public funds—especially one operating across key entry points such as borders, ports, immigration offices, ministries, and the airport—must be subject to periodic review to ensure transparency, efficiency, and integrity.
The Crawford Digital Payment System reportedly manages revenue collections at several critical points, including Mombasa Port, Naivasha Dry Port, the Uganda Revenue Authority office in Kampala, and the Nimule border crossing. These locations are central to the flow of imports and government income. Because of this, the system’s operations directly affect national revenue and the country’s economic stability.
Minister Atong's call for a 90-day review should be seen as an attempt to protect public resources rather than disrupt government operations. In many countries, audits and reviews of revenue systems are standard practice. Such reviews help identify technical flaws, prevent corruption, and improve efficiency. Refusing even a temporary review risks sending the message that accountability is secondary to administrative procedures.
Vice President Wani Igga argued that the system cannot be suspended because it was approved by the Economic Cluster and later endorsed by the Council of Ministers. However, approval should not place any government system beyond scrutiny. If concerns arise whether technical, administrative, or financial the respon