South Sudan’s Chamber of Commerce has suspended revenue collection in states until it establishes new branches in the current 10 states and three administrative areas.
The move follows a decision by the national body to remove the branch chairpersons of the defunct 32 states with immediate effect.
Last month, President Salva Kir made a compromise by cutting the 32 states back down to the original 10 — a key opposition demand — to pave the way for a transitional government.
Kiir also included on top of the 10 states, three administrative areas of Ruweng, Abyei and Greater Pibor.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Monday, the national chamber’s secretary general, Simon Akuei Deng said secretaries- general in the defunct 32 states have been tasked to keep assets until new branches are formed in the 10 states and three administrative areas.
"There should be no collection of any revenue in the former 32 states until state chambers are formed. This is to make sure that the system is followed. Any activity that collects funds and activity that calls for collection of revenue in the market must be under the permission of the national chamber until governors of the 10 states and state parliaments are in place,” Akuei explained.
He said all branches in the defunct 32 states are under the leadership of former secretaries-general, until new branches are formed.
Formed in 2003, South Sudan Chamber of Commerce is a local organization of businesses and companies with the intention to develop and further the interests of local companies and businesses in the country.