Employees at the Bank of South Sudan on Tuesday launched a major sit-in protest, bringing routine operations to a halt as they demand the payment of long-overdue benefits and the reinstatement of staff medical insurance.
An employee who spoke refused to reveal his name out of fear of reprisals, told Radio Tamazuj that the peaceful demonstration has drawn a massive turnout, effectively blocking visitors and clients from entering the premises.
“The nature of the job requires employees to biometrically sign in between 8:00 a.m. and sign out at 5:00 p.m. There is absolutely no room for staff to hustle outside to earn a living for their families or pay for their children’s education,” he said. “Therefore, they fully deserve the benefits allocated to them by policy.”
Striking staff revealed that the central bank management has failed to pay employee arrears since 2025. The outstanding dues reportedly include staff flight tickets and various welfare allowances.
Protesters emphasize that the bank’s strict corporate policy prevents them from seeking outside employment to supplement their income.
Meanwhile, other staff say compounding the financial strain is a seven-month lapse in medical insurance coverage. The employees allege that management failed to remit payments to the insurance provider, leaving employees and their families without healthcare access amid the ongoing economic hardship.
“We are struggling to afford treatment when they or their children fall ill,” an employee stated.
He added that despite workers raising these grievances directly with the leadership of the Bank of South Sudan, management has reportedly ignored their demands.
Another source revealed that the internal communication and planning of the strike are tightly coordinated through staff communication groups, with workers vowing to continue the shutdown until all outstanding arrears are paid in full.
South Sudan Bank management is yet to issue an official statement regarding the protest.
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