The SPLM-In Opposition announced that it has withdrawn its recent decision to collect taxes from humanitarian organizations working in areas under their control.

Gideon Gatpan, Director of South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) in Nairobi, told Radio Tamazuj that the decision, announced in an 11 March circular sent to aid agencies and seen by Radio Tamazuj, needs further discussion by the SPLM-IO leadership.

“Yes the circular was released, but it has been withheld because it should be discussed thoroughly in the coming days,” he said.

A workshop will be organized on the matter soon, according to the rebel official.

“The decision will be discussed first by the SPLM-IO humanitarian department and immigration as well as other relevant authorities. So that’s why the decision was suspended,” he said.

“We cannot predict the outcome of the workshop now whether the decision will be adopted or cancelled,” he added.

According to the 11 March circular, the SSRRA, the arm of the SPLM-IO rebel group which monitors and regulates humanitarian activities, said they will levy a 5% income tax on salaries of all South Sudanese staff of aid organizations working in opposition areas.

The circular was signed by SSRRA Execuitive Director Gatwech Peter Kulang and was at least the fifth request in the last six months demanding taxes from national humanitarian staff, according to documents.

In addition to the taxation request, the SSRRA circular said that any items imported for relief projects will be exempt from local customs taxes. It further banned the military conscription of South Sudanese citizens employed by international or humanitarian organizations.

Related:

South Sudan rebels to tax aid workers in opposition-held areas (22 Mar.)