Seasonal Security Surge in Jou Market
Extra police units now patrol Jou Market in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, after a state directive aimed at curbing theft ahead of Christmas.
Vendors Applaud Police Presence
Vendor Mohammed Saleh says incidents had surged: ‘People dressed well were stealing our goods. Today, patrols guard every alley; losses are down’ (Radio Tamazuj).
Economic Benefits Emerge
Saleh adds that steady policing is nudging commodity prices lower, a rare relief in a town where transport costs often fuel spikes.
Calls for Continued Support
Trader Musa Ibrahim echoes the sentiment: ‘Stealing has stopped. We just hope authorities can send even more officers throughout the festive rush’ (Radio Tamazuj).
Towards a Replicable Model
Local economists argue visible security supports consumer confidence and stabilises supply chains, allowing merchants to focus on stock rather than shutters.
Officials hint that similar deployments could extend to other urban centres if Wau’s model sustains calm, signalling broader investment in safety-driven growth.