UN Urges South Sudan to Remove New Taxes Suspending Food Aid for Thousands

The United Nations has urged South Sudan to remove newly imposed taxes and charges that led to the suspension of U.N. food airdrops for thousands of people who depend on outside aid. The U.N Humanitarian Affairs Agency stated that the pausing of airdrops in March had deprived 60,000 people of food, and this number is expected to rise to 135,000 by the end of May.

The new charges, related to electronic cargo tracking, security escort fees, and new taxes on fuel, would have increased operational costs to $339,000 monthly, which the U.N. says is enough to feed over 16,300 people. The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said the limited funds are spent on saving lives and not bureaucratic impediments. "I call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold all agreements with humanitarians and immediately remove the new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need," Gbeho said.

Why this matters: The suspension of food aid in South Sudan threatens the lives of tens of thousands of vulnerable people in a country already facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The imposition of new taxes and charges by the government is hindering the ability of the U.N. and aid organizations to deliver critical assistance to those in need.

The taxes and charges are also impacting the nearly 20,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, which is reviewing all of its activities. UNMISS has deployed additional troops and launched urgent integrated patrols to two hot spots following a surge in intercommunal violence, with around 13,000 people seeking sanctuary at a temporary U.N. peacekeeping base.

An estimated 9 million people out of 12.5 million in South Sudan need protection and humanitarian assistance, further complicated by an increase in the number of people fleeing the war in neighboring Sudan. The U.N. says the South Sudan government had said it would remove the new charges and taxes but had not committed to it in writing since February. Gbeho emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Failure to do so risks humanitarian operations coming to a standstill in the country."

Key Takeaways

• UN urges South Sudan to remove new taxes that led to suspension of food airdrops
• Taxes increased operational costs, depriving 60,000 people of food, expected to reach 135,000
• Taxes on cargo tracking, security, and fuel hindering UN and aid organizations' ability to deliver aid
• Taxes also impacting UN peacekeeping mission, leading to increased troop deployment and patrols
• South Sudan government promised to remove charges, but has not committed to it in writing