US $5 bills increasingly refused in commercial transactions in Bunia

In Bunia, Ituri, merchants and currency exchangers are increasingly refusing US $5 bills, leaving residents who hold them in a difficult position. Merchants say they cannot accept the bills when exchangers later refuse to take them, while exchangers blame the refusal on “super-agents.” A local bank employee says banks still accept the bills and that no official restriction is known. Merchants and consumers are calling on monetary authorities to clarify the rules.