South Sudan: Local and international aid workers’ fees increase May 4 /update 2

Event

According to a local official, the government of South Sudan has increased the fee for aid groups seeking to operate in the war-torn nation. The new order will require NGOs seeking to work in South Sudan to pay USD 3500 registration fees per aid worker, a nearly six-fold increase over the previous USD 600 fee. Local groups are also impacted by this measure and will reportedly have to pay registration fees of USD 500, up from USD 450. It is unclear if this change affects those already in the country or only newcomers. However, the plan is likely to be broadly criticized by aid organizations, as it is considered an attempt to profit from the ongoing humanitarian crisis and will hinder the work of small local NGOs.

Context

The move comes two months after a first initiative was announced in early March to increase aid workers’ fees from USD 100 to USD 10,000. The plan was finally dropped in early April after criticism that it would penalize aid agencies. Aid workers are also contending with extreme risks: a UN official reported in April that 82 aid workers had been killed since December 2013.

130 international NGOs and 500 local NGOs, including civil society groups, are reportedly present in the country. The country is acutely in need of aid. In February, the South Sudanese government announced that famine was affecting two counties located in Unity state (northern region). According to the government and three UN agencies, more than 100,000 people are currently experiencing famine in these areas. Famine is reportedly likely to spread, with 1 million South Sudanese on the brink of starvation. Levels of malnutrition among children in South Sudan continue to be among the highest in the world.

Advice

Individuals traveling to South Sudan who may potentially be impacted are advised to contact their nearest South Sudanese consulate or, if in the country already, their home government. People in South Sudan should avoid discussing the topic in public due to its sensitive political nature.

Travelers in South Sudan are advised to conserve water and other resources as much as possible, stock up on bottled water, remain informed of the situation via local media outlets, and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g., water rationing measures). Individuals are also advised to avoid all protests and gatherings due to the potential for violence. Due to various security issues, most Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the entire country, including the capital Juba. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel throughout the country.