The Vice-President of Gender and Youth Affairs in South Sudan met with the Vice-President for Economic Affairs to discuss a pressing issue raised by several international entities. This meeting was prompted by a letter from the embassies of the European Union, Troika, the United States, and Canada, which expressed concerns about fees imposed on humanitarian agencies by the National Ministry of Financial and Economic Planning.
Vice-President Mama Rebecca and her counterpart from the economic sector addressed these concerns, particularly the financial burdens placed on organizations providing essential food assistance. The leaders agreed to eliminate these fees, allowing humanitarian operations to proceed without financial obligations to the government. This decision was aimed at fostering goodwill and avoiding tensions with international partners.
The letter from the international community outlined specific charges that had been levied on humanitarian aid, including fees for petroleum accreditation, permits, customs, electronic cargo tracking, laboratory testing of food rations, and security escorts. These measures had been seen as impediments to the delivery of crucial aid to the South Sudanese population.
Following this productive dialogue, diplomatic representatives in Juba forwarded their communiqué in a diplomatic bag, signaling the South Sudanese government’s commitment to facilitating unhindered humanitarian support.
