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East Africans leave Rumbek, complain of high taxes and harassment
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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)
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