Open strike of Atbara traders in protest against “taxes and levies”

Atbara – OnePress

Atbara city market traders went on an open strike to protest what they described as large increases in taxes and tax policies applied by the Ministry of Finance, considering that they exceeded their capacity to bear and burdened commercial activity and citizens.

A number of traders said that tax administrations imposed estimates and amounts of tax beyond their financial capabilities, stressing that the new measures do not take into account the difficult economic conditions experienced by the country, at a time when the commercial sector suffers from declining purchasing power and high operating costs.

Traders warned that continued increases and charges could lead to a further decline in business activity and the closure of a number of shops and small facilities, which in turn will affect markets and citizens.

Some traders criticized what they saw as unfair economic policies towards traders in northern Sudan, noting that higher taxes and fees without consideration of economic conditions may contribute to weakening markets rather than supporting production and stimulating commercial activity.

A number of traders criticized the policies of the Ministry of Finance, blaming it for some of the high economic burdens and worsening living pressures on citizens, while others pointed to previous political and intellectual positions linked to Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim and issues of power, wealth and marginalization raised in Sudan during the past years.

Traders stressed the continuation of the strike until the competent authorities respond to their demands, especially the review of estimates and tax increases, and reconsider policies that they see as threatening the continuation of their work and increasing the burdens on markets and consumers.

The strike comes at a time when Sudanese markets are facing increasing economic challenges, amid calls from traders for fiscal and tax policies that take into account the exceptional circumstances in the country and support the continuation of commercial activity.