The Northern Bahr el Ghazal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reportedly arrested 13 South Sudanese traders accused of inciting problems with foreign businessmen in the town.

Wan Jok is the county seat of Aweil East County which borders East Darfur to the north; an important trade route for goods coming from domestic and international markets via Port Sudan.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj in the state capital Aweil, the state CID director Deng Piol explained: “The CID arrested 13 businessmen on Sunday in Wanyjok market day; they were arrested because the traders claim that the foreigners sell goods at the wholesale price and undercut the retailers.

Deng also mentioned that South Sudan is a new nation and that has borders with many nations, so it's their responsibility to respect the foreigners in the country. “It's our right to protect the business policy,” complaining that the latest round of strife between locals and foreigners stems again from allegations of pricing irregularities.

More than 100 local traders fought against about thirty foreigners. No one was killed, though a woman from Kenya had minor injuries on her knee. No damage was reported.

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