Hundreds of traders have been arrested in different parts of Ethiopia since the introduction of macro economic reforms by the government over 2 weeks ago.
297 traders have been arrested in the southern region of Ethiopia alone. The traders were arrested for raising prices illegally. 297 have been arrested and more than 3,300 business establishments have been sealed, the Trade and Market Development Office of the region announced on Friday.
The consumers complain, however, that even in commercial establishments that are said to be closed, the act of hiding and smuggling goods is happening.
Ethiopian currency birr has lost more than 90% of its value against US dollar since the introduction of macro economic reforms which include liberalization of foreign exchange market too. The government is trying to control prices of commodities by launching a crackdown on businesses which are involved in hoarding and price hike.
More than 25, 800 commercial establishments have been closed due to price increase in different parts of the country so far, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Connection.
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