Traders from the Meiram border area between Sudan and South Sudan say cross border trade has ground to a halt due to floundering economic conditions and intimidation from government forces.

“The reason is the weakened South Sudanese Pound (SSP), and the pursuit of traders along the border by Sudanese government forces” said Suleiman al Sharif, a trader in the area. He also said high taxes had been imposed on goods, which has limited trade.

Trade between the two countires was officially opened this year for the first time since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.