The Speaker of South Sudan National Legislative Assembly, Anthony Lino Makana, has called on the business community and traders’ union in Juba to reduce the prices of essential commodities despite the hard economic situation in the country.

Speaking during his meeting with representatives of traders in Juba on Tuesday, Makana asked the traders not to raise prices as they wish, saying the government is working to normalize the situation.

“I would like to tell our civil population across the country that the government knows the situation you are undergoing now and it is working so hard to end it,” said Makana.

“I would also tell our traders in the market that you should not take advantage of the situation to put your own prices every morning and evening. You should also love this country,” he added.

Makana pointed out that the traders should understand the economic situation and make reasonable prices for the common man to afford.

This week, the US dollar traded between 16 and 17 South Sudanese Pounds in the black market.