10 April 2006 (Yambio) – Authorities in Western Equatoria have introduced the Sudanese dinar in the state for the first time since it became a legal tender in Sudan more than 15 years ago.

Traders and the population in Western Equatoria —familiar only with other currencies like the old Sudanese pound, Ugandan and Kenyan shillings—are accepting the new currency with mixed reactions.  Speaking to the public in Yambio County last Wednesday the state’s deputy governor, Joseph Ngere, urged the public to accept dinar, saying it will be the only legal currency in circulation.  He also said workers salaries will be paid only in dinar.

Ngere explained that the Sudanese dinar is the legal tender in the country and will remain in use until the government decides to introduce another currency.