Sudanese traders in Aweil, the capital of Northern Bahr El Ghazal expressed disappointment at the continuing policy of the authorities in the North to shut down the border between Sudan and South Sudan and demanded that roads be opened and the state of emergency along the border lifted.
In interviews with Radio Tamazuj, a number of traders in Aweil stated that the roads along the border were still closed, while the state of emergency along the border remains in effect, making it difficult for the flow of goods from one side of the border to the other and increasing prices.
They also stated that the markets were witnessing instability due to the fluctuations in the value of the dollar against the local currency. The traders asserted that the complete blockade of roads along the border poses difficulties for traders on both sides.
One trader explained that the price of a sack of onions is 1500 pounds and the price of a sack of sugar is between 370-380 pounds in Aweil markets.