Business in Abyei may stand still after the referendum
The business community in Abyei is very concerned - many think that secession may bring a economic downturn in the area. If Abyei is annexed to the South then border trade may be affected”, said Chol Mayen, a businessman. If it happens that the border is completely closed, we can still go to East Africa for goods.”
"[...] we can still go to East Africa for goods.”
But Chol’s face expresses anxiety about the multiple taxations along the way from Juba to Abyei, which have driven prices up. There are a lot of check points. The Government should consider this so that traders will be able to bring goods into Abyei”, he explained.
He appealed to the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) to establish a strong relationship with the sister countries of East Africa and Ethiopia so that trade can continue normally after the referendum.
Northern traders are not charged along the way from Khartoum and so prices of goods are lower. Goods coming through the South are charged at every state taxation office. Chol is sceptical as to whether the taxation money reaches the Government Treasury - he believes it goes into individual pockets. He however admits that the government was formed during a challenging time and security issues have taken much of GoSS’ focus.
"[...] it will be hard for vehicles to travel to Abyei from other parts of the South.”
The destruction of the town in 2008 by the Sudan Armed Force (SAF) resulted in stalling development. One can hardly see the benefits of the of the oil revenues in the area.
Car driver Koul Peter, who requested his name changed to conceal his real identity, continuously struggles with the humps and portholes along Abyei–Agok Road. He doubts that any of the oil money ever reaches the administration of Abyei. If anything happens we shall suffer because it will be hard for vehicles to travel to Abyei from other parts of the South”.
Francis Nyok Koryom says having one supply trade route only may even cause starvation. He therefore suggests a diversified trade route through other parts of Southern Sudan. Residents believe that in case of post-referendum violence, the road to Khartoum may be blocked, affecting the local economy. In that case the only option would be for goods to come in from the East African countries, in order to keep the economy running.
Sarah Ayuel Adhiem believes that if business flops, people in Abyei may wish for unity.
Before the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the business sector in Abyei was dominated by people from the SAF. Some locals say business interests were often protected with force. After the withdrawal of the SAF, following the violence in 2008 that razed the town to the ground, the local communities tried to enter the business sector. However many lacked capital and so struggled to operate businesses smoothly. We have to encourage the locals to take the lead in business”, Francis said. He added that it is ok for ordinary traders to come to Abyei, as long as they do not come in with military force.
Click here for "Abyei Voices - Messages for the Future" by Yobu Annet and others.
Sarah Ayuel Adhiem, a young woman concerned for her future, believes that the key traders are still soldiers from SAF, and not civilians. "They may stop bringing commodities from the North at once. My advice to GoSS is to have a good strategy for supplying commodities to all the Southern States”. She says in the case business flops, people in Abyei may see GoSS as negligent, and so wish for unity.
