Foreign traders in fear of referendum
For Birungi Mary, a Ugandan trader who deals with vegetables in a Juba market, the referendum is cause for anxiety. We are preparing to leave, and then come back after the referendum if there is no violence.”
Mary is one of thousands of traders in Juba, many of them from neighbouring countries, who are apprehensive about what the referendum will bring. Already suffering from rising prices on imported goods, many fear that referendum-related violence could disrupt business, and valuable goods could be destroyed.
In Konyokonyo and Jebel Markets in Juba, many foreign traders said they are going home for Christmas, and then wait till the referendum exercise is completed before returning.
However Mai Tutu, another Ugandan trader from Arua district close to the Sudanese border said she is worried, but she has to stay. I can’t leave because I love this country. I believe not all traders will be leaving, some will remain,” she said.
The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Investment, Mr. Akuei Deng Akuei, dismissed foreign traders' fears. I am not sure whether they are leaving the country because of the referendum,” he said.
According to the Undersecretary, there are many foreigners who have already invested in the South and are hoping to expand in their businesses, while more are coming every day to access the investment opportunities. Akuei said many traders do not mind about the referendum outcome, whether unity or separation.
After the singing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, traders mainly from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo came to Juba. Many however complain of problems at the Sudanese border.
Kasoro Francis, a trader in charge of offloading vehicles in Juba, told SUDANVOTES that goods take long to reach the market because of clearance delays at the numerous taxation offices at the border. As a result perishable goods can rot. Kasoro said he is not afraid of the referendum, but he is not happy with the high taxes levied.
Jackson Gale, a Sudanese businessman who imports his goods from Kampala, complained of double taxation at the Sudanese border. Gale accounts the increase in the prices of food items in the market to these high taxes.
Vanista Nisima, a buyer at Jebel Market was worried. She anticipated a further increase in the prices as the referendum and Christmas approach.
"We are stocking goods in large quantities incase of shortages."
Southern Sudan heavily relies on imported goods. The situation worries local traders and buyers very much; Scovia Ataya, a Southern Sudanese trading in food stuff said they are stocking goods in large quantities in case of shortages.
Many foreign traders left Southern Sudan during the general elections held early this year, but came back when they saw there was no violence. If the referendum is also peaceful, foreign investors in Southern Sudan will be encouraged.
