UN Aid Delivery in South Sudan Jeopardized by New Fuel Tax Dispute

The United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported that South Sudanese authorities are holding up UN fuel tankers over a new tax dispute, putting at risk the delivery of millions of dollars of aid amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in the country. The trucks have been detained at depots and the Ugandan border despite assurances from the minister of humanitarian affairs that the $300 charge on each goods truck entering and exiting South Sudan would not apply to UN humanitarian operations.

The trade ministry order announced the new tax this week, stating it was intended to help the government maximize revenue collection by addressing undervaluations and fraud. However, the imposition of the tax on UN aid has led to the suspension of humanitarian airdrops affecting 60,000 people in need. UNMISS has also been forced to review peacekeeping patrols and reduce support to peace and electoral processes as a result of the fuel shortages caused by the held-up tankers.

Why this matters: The tax dispute's impact on UN aid delivery threatens to worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, where millions rely on international assistance. The standoff also risks undermining the UN's critical peacekeeping and political support efforts in the fragile nation.

Traders and other organizations have protested against the new tax measure, with diplomatic missions calling its application to UN and other aid operations "illicit and unacceptable". The UN mission said it is engaging with South Sudanese authorities at the highest levels to resolve the situation and allow the vital flow of humanitarian aid to resume.

The fuel tax dispute is the latest challenge to UN operations in South Sudan, which has been mired in civil conflict and humanitarian crises for years. The country remains heavily dependent on international aid, with the UN and other organizations providing food, medical care, and other essential services to millions of South Sudanese affected by violence, displacement, and poverty. The holding up of UN fuel tankers threatens to disrupt this critical lifeline and deepen the suffering of vulnerable populations across the country.

Key Takeaways

• South Sudan authorities hold up UN fuel tankers over new $300 tax dispute.
• Tax disrupts UN aid delivery, suspending humanitarian airdrops affecting 60,000 people.
• UN forced to review peacekeeping patrols and reduce support to peace processes.
• Tax dispute threatens to worsen South Sudan's dire humanitarian crisis and undermine UN efforts.
• Traders and diplomatic missions call the tax application to UN aid "illicit and unacceptable".