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.

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.

This article originally appeared on All Africa

Image: Traders on their way to El Fasher via Derk Segaar/IRIN