Traders in Yambio have raised serious concerns over high taxes, inflation, harassment, and intimidation and urged the state leadership to help them.
The merchants voiced their grievances during a meeting with Western Equatoria State Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa.
John Mabu Tartizio, a trader in Yambio, told journalists that they have suffered under the previous administration for the past four years, facing excessive taxation and intimidation by the SPLM-IO leadership in the state.
“We have endured high taxes, harassment, and intimidation. Public spaces such as toilets, water points, and empty land have been grabbed and sold for business purposes under the former governor (Alfred Futuyo),” he stated. “We want the new administration to reduce taxes because Western Equatoria has the highest tax rates compared to other states.”
Mabu further lamented that only foreign traders are allowed to engage in the timber business, sidelining locals.
Another trader, Eptsam Said Ateib, echoed similar concerns, saying that they repeatedly reported these issues to the previous governor, but that no action was taken. She added that those who dared to complain were often arrested by National Security Service personnel.
In response, Acting Governor Badagbu acknowledged the traders’ concerns and assured them that his administration would address their challenges.
“I met with traders from different groups in Yambio and they raised concerns over high taxes, harassment, and intimidation, which have led to soaring prices in the market,” he said. “Additionally, land meant for public services like water points and toilets was sold under the previous administration. We will review tax policies to align them with those of other states and create a fair business environment.”
He also expressed concerns over illegal logging, stating that foreigners have been exploiting the state’s forests without benefiting the local community.
“We must regulate logging activities and prevent unauthorized foreigners from cutting down our trees. The government will put measures in place to ensure only locals benefit from timber resources,” Badagbu added.
The traders welcomed the acting governor’s assurances and urged the government to take swift action to support local businesses and create a more favorable trading environment in the state.