(AWEIL) – Police in Northern Bahr El Ghazal have detained seven suspects accused of breaking into Raandit Money Transfer, a financial service company operating in Aroyo, the county headquarters of Aweil.
According to Police Inspector Moses Akuar, the incident occurred on Tuesday night when unidentified persons forced their way into the premises. The suspects are now under custody while investigations continue. Akuar explained that detectives are working to establish the masterminds behind the operation and are receiving tips from residents to trace those responsible.
He noted that the suspects allegedly formed groups to carry out coordinated robberies at night. Community reports have also linked the same groups to a recent attack on a woman who was assaulted while returning home on Saturday.
Local police say that financial institutions like money transfer companies are increasingly at risk as criminals target them for quick cash. This has raised security concerns among businesses and households that depend heavily on remittances and cash transfer services.
Akuar pointed out that rising crime is partly driven by the lack of employment opportunities in the county. With limited access to entrepreneurial ventures or wage earning jobs, many young men are resorting to unlawful activities, creating risks for both businesses and local residents.
According to the central bank governor Othow Addis Ababa, stability of money transfer companies is vital for communities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, where remittances from South Sudanese abroad form a significant share of household income. A disruption in their operations can affect not only businesses but also families that rely on small but regular transfers to buy food, pay school fees or cover health expenses.
Economic Role of Money Transfer Services in Northern Bahr El Ghazal
| Key Area | Impact of Money Transfer Services |
|---|---|
| Household income | Families rely on remittances to cover daily expenses and school fees |
| Local businesses | Traders use transfers to purchase stock and manage cash flow |
| Rural support | Cash sent from abroad sustains relatives in rural areas with no banks |
| Economic stability | Disruptions in transfer services weaken community trust and spending |