Elders are calling on the Abyei Area Administration to impose heavy taxes on sorghum in an attempt to tax on sorghum to discourage traders from exporting the grain and thereby depleting stocks. They believe the move will help prevent hunger.

Two months ago, a malwa of sorghum in the market was sold at 50 SSP but it is has dropped to 15 SSP following the harvest. Traders from other areas are flocking to Abyei to take advantage of the low price.

But the elders are worried that this will deplete stock of sorghum in Abyei where it is a staple food. Deng Monyluak Rou, a 64-year-old elderly man from Mabony, says levying taxes would discourage exporters and so more sorghum would stay in Abyei.

On the other hand, Acuil Lual, a sorghum dealer from Warrap, says heavy taxes would send him out of business. Likewise, Akur Ayuel, a 47-year-old woman living in Juol-jok, fears that imposing heavy taxes on sorghum would stop people from buying her sorghum, her only source of income.

Abyei Area Chief Administrator Chol Deng Alaak says they will issue an order to impose taxes on sorghum traders but he has not given the exact amount of money to charge per bag.

Reporting by Abyei Today