Morobo Business Community Urges Government to Address Insecurity and Protect Local Traders

(MOROBO COUNTY) -Traders in South Sudan’s Morobo County have raised concerns over growing insecurity, the rejection of the South Sudanese currency in local and cross-border markets and the increasing dominance of retail trade by foreign wholesalers.

According to the business community, these challenges are significantly affecting local traders and hindering economic growth in the area.

Anthony Gaga, the Acting Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, called on the County Commissioner to urgently address these issues. He warned that such practices are weakening business operations and undermining the local economy.

“Insecurity and the rejection of local currency by foreign traders and wholesalers are serious concerns affecting local businessmen in the county,” Gaga said. “Additionally, wholesalers shifting into retail business are making it difficult for local traders to grow and take advantage of business opportunities.”

Gaga also highlighted the burden of multiple taxation, noting that levies imposed by national, state, and county revenue authorities are further constraining business growth.

In response, County Executive Director Ezibon Gale acknowledged the challenges facing traders and proposed tax education as a solution. He said this would help traders better understand government tax policies, especially in light of the multiple tax collection points.

Gale also encouraged traders to play a role in maintaining market security by safeguarding goods sold to consumers, emphasizing that such efforts would benefit the wider community.

Morobo County Commissioner Joseph Mawa Okuba, for his part, recognized the important contribution traders make to government revenue through taxation. He urged them to elect representatives who can improve communication between the government and the business community.

The Commissioner also issued a warning to traders who refuse to accept the South Sudanese currency, stating that anyone found violating the law would face legal consequences.

The officials made the remarks during a ‘joint business and government stakeholders’ meeting held at the county headquarters on Tuesday.”