Traders from Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, informed Radio Tamazuj market prices are decreasing. Illegal importation of goods from South Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan by traders are cited as one of the reasons.

According to sources, 50kg of sorghum went from 600 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) to 400 SSP, 50kg maize from 600 to 390 SSP, 50kg of Ugali flour from 350 to 250 SSP and 50kg of sugar now cost 320 SSP.

Bol Dut, represending the market traders, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that goods are smuggled into Aweil from other parts of Sudan or from Eastern African countries. He added that many traders, who have a large amount of goods left in their shops, reduce their prices when the harvest season is near.

Citizens speaking with Radio Tamazuj at the Aweil market say they are surprised with these news and claim they will not purchase goods from these traders next year, adding they had a good harvest.

Meanwhile, the State Government explained that the outcome of the peace conference recently held between the Dinka Malual and the Rezigat allows more goods to come into Northern Bahr el Ghazal via South Darfur's border.

The state's Chamber of Commerce deputy, Anuai Mou Akoon, said they met with traders last month where they discussed issues as terms of commerce. It was agreed traders would sell their goods for reasonable prices, despite heavy taxes. Akoon urged foreign traders not to sell their goods on retail basis, but to wholesale business in different parts of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.