Sudanese traders and transporters have complained of high unofficial ‘taxes’ they are forced to pay on goods being exported from Sudan to South Sudan along routes to Aweil East in Northern Bahr al Ghazal.

These are being reportedly levied by ‘Arab nomads’ using road blocks which restrict the traders, forcing them to pay large fees in order to continue their travel to south Sudan.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj at Majok Nyin Thiou, Sayid Ayub reported that the situation had not improved.  ‘I arrived this morning and the road is so bad because Arab nomads collected anything from every trader coming with the goods to Majok Nyin Thiou,’ he claimed.

Ayub urged the government of Sudan to ensure the security of traders and prevent their extortion.

Mohamed Ahmed also complained of large fees of up to 15,000 or 20,000 SSP imposed on the traders within Sudanese territory and that when they reach Majok, they have no money left to pay South Sudanese customs charges.

He claimed that part of this is due to a lack of regulation surrounding cross-border taxation and called for authorities on both sides of the border to take greater steps to control extortion.

Meanwhile the Director of Taxation in Warawar and Majok Nyin Thiou in South Sudan, Manut Yiel, admitted that heavy taxes are imposed on traders but added that traders who have not organized themselves are vulnerable to armed people who take advantage.

He claimed, ‘We collect 3 SSP per sack and 1 SSP per jerry can but we don’t just collect taxes from any vehicle.’

Manut added that the road is closed this month as rumours circulate that the Sudanese government intend to make arrangements to formally allow more commodities to be sent to Warawar market but that it will take some time for the road to reopen for the prices to drop.

File photo