East Africans leave Rumbek, complain of high taxes and harassment
June 21, 2013 (RUMBEK) – A group of business people from the neighbouring East African nations, who operated private businesses in South Sudan’s Lakes state have opted out, citing a series of local taxes initiated by government.
Most of the workers Sudan Tribune interviewed complained of the recent increase in work permit fees and also alleged that state authorities undermine associations representing business associations.
Currently, foreign nationals working in Lakes state are required to pay up to SSP 1,500 (about $350) or face severe consequences, should they default.
“We are about 20 foreigners operating in Lakes state since 2010″, said Veronica Mwangi, who spoke to Sudan Tribune before her departure from Rumbek, the state capital.
She further said the recent ban on alcohol sale by the caretaker governor and “heavy” taxes imposed on foreign national prompted many to leave the region.
“Our leaders representing us in business community union here in Lakes state are being undermined”, she said, adding that “daily harassment by members of the state security made us quit this state.”
“I am happy that I am going [back] to my country”, said a visibly excited Mwangi.
The decision to ban locally brewed alcohol has been critcised by widows who have no other income source or relatives with government jobs to support them.
However, the state government has so far overlooked their concerns.
Since his appointment early this year, Matur Chut Dhuol, who replaced the duly elected governor, has initiated a number of tough measures to quell down insecurity in the state.
Such measures, among others, include; creating a military prison to detain those arbitrarily arrested, threatening to close down the state assembly and requiring that all firearms in the state be registered.
(ST)