Former governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Othom Rago Ajak, has died at the age of 70 in Cairo after a short illness, his family confirmed Wednesday.
His daughter, Buchay Ajak, said preparations are underway to repatriate his body to Juba, where he will be laid to rest next week.
The Bank of South Sudan expressed “profound sorrow” at his passing, describing him as a dedicated public servant and economist. “His contributions were instrumental in stabilizing South Sudan’s financial system,” the central bank said in a statement Thursday.
Ajak served as the bank’s governor from January 2017 to May 2018, during which he helped guide financial reforms in the young nation. His long career in finance spanned more than four decades, covering roles in both Sudan and South Sudan.
He is remembered for his pivotal role in building South Sudan’s financial structures following independence in 2011.
Born in Upper Nile State in 1954, Ajak earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Khartoum in 1980 and later obtained a master’s in economics from the American University in Cairo in 1993.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
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