Ethiopians criticize sharp devaluation of currency

Residents in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa are concerned about the devaluation of the local currency, the birr, saying it may cause severe inflation & soaring prices. Shoppers told VOA today that they are already encountering soaring prices. The Ethiopian government on Sunday announced a new foreign exchange directive which will allow its currency to float freely based on market forces. A day later, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $3.4 billion loan for Ethiopia. On the line to Addis Ababa, Asmamaw Ayenew spoke to Yared Hailemeskel, an economist based in Addis Ababa, and asked about reaction to the government measures