Taxes, Salaries Spark More Strikes in Sudan
The Minister of Finance, Jibril Ibrahim, recently called for expanding the 'taxes umbrella" - as he considers it "the most effective and successful way to increase tax revenues and combat tax evasion".
Traders and merchants went on strike in several states to protest these increases, a new strategy the government says it is meant to fill the national treasury. Other workers went on strike to demand fair salaries and unpaid financial dues amidst the economic crisis.
However, many economic experts in the region are not convinced that increasing taxes is a good way to support Sudan's economy. They warn that it will further increase the economic hardships of many Sudanese people.
Ibrahim said that the finance ministry has almost completed a budget for 2023. The Sudanese government is not receiving any external support for its yearly budget for the second year in a row, so must rely on its own resources.
Tax increases will eventually be reflected on the consumer, and will lead to a weakening of purchasing power and reluctance to consume, economic analyst Hafiz Ismail told Radio Dabanga. He described the current economic policies as having nothing to do with the knowledge of the economy, giving the example that work has been suspended at some factories because of an increase in electricity and other costs.
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Sudan:
Tax Increases and Salary Issues Spark More Strikes
Dabanga, 27 September 2022
The wave of strikes in Sudan continues in full force. Traders and Merchants went on strike in several states to protest exorbitant tax increases, a new strategy of the government… Read more »
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Sudan:
Working Sudanese Unable to Make Ends Meet As Economy Founders
Dabanga, 21 September 2022
Rising costs of transport, food, and basic commodities are putting immense pressure on Sudanese consumers, as the Sudanese Pound continues to waiver against major international… Read more »
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Sudan:
Pensioners Protest for Improved Pay
Dabanga, 22 September 2022
Protesters consisting of pensioners and those who were arbitrarily dismissed from the civil service, organised a vigil in front of the Council of Ministers in Khartoum yesterday. Read more »
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Sudan:
Al-Burhan Calls On International Community to Abide By Its Pledges of Writing Off Debts
SNA, 22 September 2022
President of the Transitional Sovereign Council General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan has called on the international community and brotherly and friendly countries to fulfill pledges… Read more »
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Sudan:
Market Closures Spread Across the Country Amid Economic Insecurity
Dabanga, 26 September 2022
In protest against tax increases by state governments in Sudan, markets in El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, El Gedaref, capital of El Gedaref state, and Ed Damazin, capital of… Read more »
InFocus
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Workers and traders have been on strike in various parts of Sudan to protest increased taxes and high fines. Workers also protested over unpaid salaries and the failure to ... Read more »
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Almost 12 million people - a quarter of Sudan's population - are currently estimated to be facing acute hunger. According to aid agencies, that number could reach up to 18 million ... Read more »
[Sudan] Traders on their way to El Fasher (file photo).