JUBA: The United Nations has asked South Sudan to remove newly imposed taxes that suspended food airdrops of the global body for thousands of people who rely on external aid.
The UN Humanitarian Affairs Agency in a statement on Monday said that the pausing of airdrops had deprived 60,000 people of food who reside in areas that have no road access, and their number is expected to reach 135,000 by the end of May.
The UN said the new taxes have increased operational costs to $339,000 monthly, which is sufficient to feed over 16,300 people. The new taxes imposed in February are related to electronic cargo tracking, new taxes on fuel and security escort fees.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, said the limited UN funds are spent on saving lives and not bureaucratic issues.
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the new taxes are also impacting the nearly 20,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.
She said that the UN mission in South Sudan is reviewing all of its activities, including the construction of police stations, schools and health care centers, patrols, as well as educational support.
The UN says the government of South Sudan has assured to remove the new charges and taxes but has not taken any action so far.
According to the UN estimates nine people out of 12.5 million people in South Sudan need protection and humanitarian aid assistance.
The African state has also seen an increase in the number of people fleeing the conflict in neighboring Sudan, further complicating the situation.
