Following recent riots in Juba, business activities are cautiously resuming as traders, reassured by security forces, reopen their shops. Traders share mixed feelings of relief and anxiety, as some continue to seek safety. Government efforts for support and reassurance, including potential tax relief for affected businesses, underscore efforts aimed at stabilizing the local economy.
Business activities in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, are gradually resuming following violent riots that resulted in widespread looting and vandalism last week. Local traders, reassured by the presence of security forces, have begun to reopen their shops. For instance, Muktar Abaker, a trader at Suk-Libya market, expressed relief after returning to work, commenting, “I have been assured of security, and I am now working.”
Abaker described the anxiety endured during the unsettling days post-riots when he, along with many others, refrained from going out and sought refuge at secure locations. Mursal Sultan, another local trader, voiced his recollection of the chaotic events, which he termed unexpected and frightening. He acknowledged improvements in safety due to the intervention of police and security personnel, stating, “But the police and other security forces have provided us with protection.”
The process of reopening businesses has been inconsistent. Morris Elias, the chairperson of the chamber of commerce in Gudele One Market, noted that while some traders resumed operations quickly, others remained hesitant, preferring to stay in safer locations. Tayeb Abdurrahman Musa, a member of the committee overseeing Sudanese nationals, recognized the positive effect of President Salva Kiir’s calls for calm.
Musa mentioned the fear among residents yet expressed reliance on the president’s message, advocating for ongoing security patrols to maintain safety. Robert Pitia Francis, chair of the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that many traders resumed their businesses, although some continue to feel insecure and express concerns over lost property.
Pitia elaborated on the endeavors to support those affected through aid requests and potential tax relief measures. He indicated that discussions were underway with the Juba City Council to grant a one-year tax exemption to businesses that suffered losses due to the riots. Despite these obstacles, the gradual resurgence of business operations, supported by governmental assurances, reflects cautious progress towards stabilization in Juba.
South Sudan has experienced significant instability and violence, particularly in urban areas like Juba. Recent riots escalated fears among traders, prompting many to close their businesses and seek safety. The government’s response, deploying security forces, has been critical in restoring a sense of security needed for businesses to reopen. The ongoing situation highlights the delicate balance between safety and economic activity in a region recovering from conflict.
The reopening of businesses in Juba amid ongoing security concerns signifies a tentative return to normalcy after the recent riots. Traders are beginning to feel secure enough to resume operations, encouraged by governmental efforts and public safety measures. However, lingering fears and the need for support indicate that the path to stability remains complex. Continued collaboration between traders, the government, and security forces will be essential in fostering a secure trading environment and revitalizing the local economy.
Original Source: news.az
