Cash-only tax demands could ‘destroy’ economy, warns SSRA Board Chair

2026-03-03 - 15:07

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The Chairperson of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) Board of Directors, Stephen Dhieu Dau, has warned that forcing taxpayers to settle obligations in physical cash during the current liquidity crisis could cause severe damage to the national economy. Speaking on Friday, February 27, 2026, during a reception for the newly appointed Commissioner General and Deputy Commissioner General, Dhieu cautioned against “prescribing the wrong treatment” for the country’s economic ailments. A former Minister of Petroleum and Finance (2011–2018), Dhieu emphasized that the mandate for addressing the liquidity crisis lies with the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, not the SSRA. “The issue of cash shortage or a liquidity crisis — some were calling for the SSRA to resolve it. My personal, humble opinion is contrary to this notion. Resolving the cash shortage is not within the mandate of the SSRA.” — Stephen Dhieu Dau Dhieu expressed concern over recent administrative directives at the borders requiring taxpayers to pay in cash and linking those payments to tax exemptions. He argued that forcing businesses to produce physical banknotes when their funds are held in commercial banks is illogical and counterproductive. “Our problem as a country is facing economic challenges; we are feeling the symptoms, the fever, and we diagnose the sickness of the economy,” Dhieu said. “But unfortunately, sometimes we prescribe the wrong treatment for this sickness.” He questioned the rationale of bypassing the formal banking system, warning that such measures undermine the very stability the government is trying to achieve. “Saying that you tell the taxpayers to pay in cash while they have their own money in the banks... it can result in a very negative policy impact. What they have been doing can destroy the economy totally.” The Board Chairperson emphasized that the SSRA must remain focused on its constitutional duties and not be diverted by tasks that belong to other government institutions. He noted that the solution to the liquidity crisis must come from coordinated monetary and fiscal policy measures, not administrative orders from the tax office. The remarks come as South Sudan continues to struggle with high inflation and a scarcity of physical currency, leaving many businesses unable to move goods across borders due to rigid payment requirements.