A weekly round-up of journalism about economic events in the two Sudans:
22% boost for military salaries Sudan (Sudan Tribune, May 9) — As military activities against rebel movements are growing officers and soldiers will receive an increased operations allowance. The allowance for soldiers is set at 450 Sudanese Pounds, some $75.
Dollar drops, but market prices remain high in Eastern Equatoria (Catholic Radio Network, May 10) — Traders attributed the high prices to insecurity along the most important roads leading to Torrit. Recent attacks at Juba-Torit, Juba-Nimule and Torit-Kapoeta roads would scare foreigners to bring their goods in South Sudan.
NBeG finance minister complains of citizens not paying tax (Radio Tamazuj, May 10) — Tax collection in Northern Bahr el Ghazal is ongoing, but some citizens have refused to pay their household tax. No arrests in this regard have been made yet, said the finance minister.
‘Your chair or your wife’ – tough choices at Renk port (IRIN/The Guardian, May 8) — Many returnees discover that they have more luggage than can be carried on the barges. Family members tend to stay behind to watch over the excess cargo.
Jonglei governor links cattle raiding to high bride prices (Radio Miraya, May 5) — Men in Jonglei State are raiding and stealing in order to meet the required dowries, the governor said. The current bride wealth ranges from 50 to 200 cows or a monetary equivalent.