Trucks carrying goods from East Africa have been prevented from crossing to South Sudan at the border with Uganda in Kajo Keji, for failing to pay increased border charges.

This comes three days after the devaluation of the pound against foreign currencies.

Initially, each truck was charged 40, 000 pounds to enter South Sudan.

But two days ago, authorities at the border increased the fee to 50, 000 pounds.

They say the new charges are in line with the new exchange rate policy.

“The reason they gave is the economic crisis in South Sudan. They say the exchange rate is supposed to be equivalent to the South Sudanese Pounds,” said our reporter, Kaja John, who has been following the story in Kajo Keji.

The Central Bank Governor announced the devaluation of the South Sudanese pound on Tuesday.

The bank cancelled the official exchange rate of the South Sudanese Pound against other currencies, leaving the rate to be determined by market forces.

The rate started at 18.5 pounds for 1 US dollar. This is a sharp rise from the previous rate of 2.96 in the central bank.