TORIT, South Sudan, Aug. 10, 2024 — Eastern Equatoria State Minister for Finance and Investment Peter Lokuju Lotirimoi is demanding accountability from the organized forces and national security agencies regarding the revenue collected at checkpoints in the state. He voiced his concerns during the opening of a tax harmonization workshop in Torit, organized by the Eastern Equatoria State Revenue Authority with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Wednesday.
Addressing nearly 100 stakeholders at the workshop, held under the theme “Improving Revenue Mobilization for Effective Implementation of Public Finance Management Reforms in the State,” Lotirimoi highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding funds collected at over 30 roadblocks between Juba and Nimule. He emphasized the urgent need for clarity and accountability to bolster the state’s dwindling economy.
Lotirimoi also mentioned ongoing disputes with the National Government over the collection and allocation of certain revenues, which both the state and national authorities claim jurisdiction over.
Eastern Equatoria Revenue Authority Commissioner Paska Hifita Oduho acknowledged the state’s financial struggles, noting that without revenue collection, the state cannot sustain its operations. Oduho further criticized the National Government for failing to transfer funds to the state, leaving it to rely solely on locally generated revenue.
Meanwhile, Eastern Equatoria State Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies Peter Lokeng Lotole expressed his appreciation for the officials who diligently collect and remit revenues, enabling the state government to continue functioning despite the broader economic challenges facing South Sudan.
South Sudan’s transitional government is grappling with a severe economic downturn exacerbated by declining oil production, internal conflicts, and the crisis in neighboring Sudan, which has plunged millions into poverty. With donor funding drying up due to delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, the government is intensifying efforts to enhance non-oil revenue collection.
