Sudanese people turn to banking apps to access much-needed cash - after the war leaves many brick-and-mortar banks in ruins.

Khartoum

In Sudan's capital Khartoum, and its surrounding areas, citizens are adapting to the aftermath of conflict by turning to digital financial solutions. Sumaya Abdullah, a local resident, highlights this shift in Omdurman, a city adjacent to Khartoum. She utilizes banking apps to retrieve cash and conduct transactions, a necessity born from the destruction of conventional banking facilities. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces has led to widespread damage and looting of banks, forcing people to find alternative ways to access their money.

The reliance on online banking applications has grown as physical banks suffer from damage, limiting residents' ability to withdraw cash directly. Nevertheless, the digital approach faces challenges, such as internet blackouts affecting numerous parts of the capital and other regions, which in turn hampers the functionality of these banking apps. Despite these obstacles, digital banking has become a crucial tool for survival, enabling transactions and access to funds in a country grappling with rising prices and financial instability.

The banking sector is straining to rebuild and offer services amidst the continuing instability. The State Bank of Khartoum's recent opening of a branch in Omdurman represents a glimmer of hope, though full services are not yet available. Banking officials assert their commitment to resuming comprehensive operations and mention the considerable use of their online platform, facilitating over 50 million transfers monthly, including international transactions. This digital lifeline is pivotal for residents like Sumaya Abdullah, who rely on these services for basic necessities, underscoring the growing significance of digital financial services in war-torn regions.



War-affected Sudanese rely on digital money apps for survival

Sumaya Abdullah has come to this shop in Omdurman in Sudan's capital Khartoum not only to buy goods but to get cash. She says it's the only way she can get money from her bank account after fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary rapid support forces led to the destruction of many banks in Khartoum. I use the online banking app because there is no way to pay for bread or groceries unless I transfer money to the shop owner here and then get cash from him. Not everyone has the app, for example the milkman and the grocers doesn't have it. So I have to come here, buy things and transfer extra to get cash. The conflict which started more than a year ago has seen the destruction of looting of many banks in the capital. Those who can have relied on online banking apps to access their much needed savings as the prices of goods continue to rise. Online banking apps rely on the internet, but many parts of the capital and several states are experiencing an internet blackout. And this is what most banks now here look like, which has made it hard for millions across the country to get cash to buy their daily needs. The destruction of financial institutions has led to the loss of billions of Sudanese pounds, further limiting people's ability to access cash even in safe areas. The state bank of Khartoum has recently opened a branch in Omdurman, and that's been helpful for many. But it's yet to provide full services. Since the start of the war I've stayed in Omdurman. I get money from my relatives abroad so having access to my account is crucial. I can't get cash from the bank yet, but I can use other services. This gives hope that things may improve. Banks here say they're working to provide services to their clients, but for now the easiest way to do that is through the app. Our online app is the most used in Sudan with over 50 million transfers per month, including from outside the country. In safe states we provide full services, but we're striving to provide those services in the capital as well so that people don't risk their lives to go to other states to access their funds. While banks try to find ways to provide services to their clients, Soumeya says she will continue to rely on shops to be able to access her account and buy what she and her family need. Hiba Morgan, Al Jazeera, Omdurman.

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