Aweil state has raised taxes on households from 30 SSP to 210 SSP amid an economic crisis, a move that has been criticized for its outsized impact on citizens. Some chiefs have said that it could cause even more civilians to flee the area. Each local chief has been faced with an ultimatum: register at least 800 households, or lose your position.
“Now households’ taxes are increased from 30 SSP to 210 SSP and we have asked local chiefs to carryout registration exercises first only to those that are capable to pay. Vulnerable households should not be registered,” said Aweil East state minister of local government and law enforcement Abuor Gordon Nhial.
Local chiefs who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity said the move will drastically effect civilians. In the past year, the price of food has increased ten times due to a poor harvest and significant hyperinflation.
“No one has slept because the community is expecting the government to mobilize NGO’s to support its people and not impose taxes,” explained one local chief when asked by Radio Tamazuj to comment on the new changes.
The chief added that many civilians have already fled to the area due to conflict and hunger, but it has seemingly not worried the local governemnt. He requested that the increased taxes be delayed until conditions improve.
“This should be debated by the parliament because you are our eyes and we actually need you to stand with us,” stressed the same chief.
Another chief questioned the feasibility of finding 800 people to pay the increased taxes.
“This new changes has nothing good in it but will cause more people to flee the area if authorities impose it on citizens and in our case,” the local chief warned. “Where are we going to get the number when many villages were deserted since earlier this year?”