The humanitarian arm of the SPLM/A-In Opposition says that it will not tax humanitarian groups working in areas under its control.

Following a meeting in Nairobi last week, the Relief Organization of South Sudan (ROSS) said: "Humanitarian organizations operating in the SPLM/A-IO territory shall not be subjected to taxes, fees, or travel permits for humanitarian staff members or any other levies by ROSS or any other local authority."

ROSS said in a statement that it is committed to working with humanitarians and to mitigate the risks of humanitarian assistance being diverted or misappropriated.

However, ROSS added that it "may decide to seek material, technical or financial support from humanitarian agencies if the support will contribute to humanitarian work but these agencies are not obligated to provide support if there is mutual acceptance without coercion i.e. use of humanitarian compounds or other materials."

Humanitarian organizations were forced to pull out of the SPLM/A-IO headquarters in Pagak ahead of a high level conference led by opposition leader Riek Machar because his officials were trying to move into relief organizations' compounds, a breach of humanitarian neutrality. The aid agencies returned once the conference finished and the SPLM/A-IO leaders left.

In the recent statement, ROSS further said it will require humanitarians to declare all personnel movements within areas under rebel control.

SPLM in Opposition leader Riek Machar Teny and his deputy, General Afred Ladu Gore, in Pagak on 9 December 2014 (ST)