Government needs to be rational on the UN trucks being held up at the border over taxes

Several United Nations-contracted trucks carrying fuel and other critical supplies are being held up at the Nimule border and other depots; due to the demand by the government they pay taxes.

The trucks are still blockaded despite assurances from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs that the imposition of taxes on trucks carrying fuel and other supplies does not apply to UN humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping operations or to the diplomatic community.

The UN agencies are soon running out of vital fuel, which is critical for them to respond to the worsening humanitarian situation across the country.

Over 650,000 people both returnees and refugees have arrived in South Sudan since outbreak of fighting on April 15, 2023 in Khartoum.

UN agencies already warned that nearly 9 million people are food insecure this year, their situation is compounded by the ongoing blockade of vital aid at the border.

“Humanitarian airdrops have already been suspended, affecting 60,000 people in need, adding that UNMISS is also forced to review peacekeeping patrols, road repairs, construction of police stations, schools, and health centers, as well as reduce support to peace and electoral processes,” Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan said.