Watchdog condemns political rift over tax dispute in Jonglei

BOR – The Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN), an umbrella organization for civil society groups in Jonglei State, on Monday condemned the ongoing dispute between Governor Mahjoub Biel Turuk and his deputy, Atong Kuol Manyang, over the management of personal income tax revenues.

The disagreement between the two leaders escalated last week when both officials publicly clashed over the collection and utilization of personal income taxes by the state government.

In a statement yesterday, head of the JCSN and Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, Bol Deng Bol, urged Governor Mahjoub and Deputy Governor Atong to engage in dialogue and resolve the matter promptly.

“We are so disappointed and condemn this manner of handling public and administrative affairs in the state, including running state activities outside the jurisdiction of the state, for instance in the recent case where the two principals held press conferences,” Bol said.

He appealed to both leaders to stop being “extremely subjective and critical of each other” and to focus on fulfilling their constitutional duties.

Bol criticized the use of state tax revenues to fund salaries and incentives for constitutional post-holders and to cover unnecessary expenses like office rentals.

“Using these revenues as salaries or incentives for constitutional post-holders among other government officials—who are already on the government payroll—and for paying unnecessary rentals is unfair to the taxpayers and the citizens at large,” Bol said.

He stressed that taxes should be allocated for essential public services, including healthcare, infrastructure, and sanitation.

“Citizens pay these taxes in anticipation of social services such as equipping and maintaining health facilities, constructing and rehabilitating road networks, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities,” he added.

Bol called on the state government to prioritize addressing pressing issues affecting Jonglei residents, such as the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has claimed lives and infected over 400 people.

“The personal income tax should be used to end the overwhelming cholera outbreak that has claimed lives and affected over 400 people, complete the construction of the fence of the Ministry of Health to improve the safety of patients and staff, among other pressing needs,” Bol said.

The Jonglei Civil Society Network further urged state leaders to resolve their differences and focus on service delivery for the benefit of the people.