South Sudan has set aside temporarily the amount of money it charges foreign and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to encourage groups to come in and help with a humanitarian crisis, a senior government official said.
The government and the United Nations said last month that South Sudan needs $1.7 billion in aid this year to help 6 million people – half its population – cope with the effects of war, hunger and economic decline.
Paul Dhel, deputy chairperson of the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, attributed the decision to waive the $3,500 fee for international NGOs, and $500 for local organizations, to the urgent humanitarian situation facing the country.