Traders Elect Representatives in Mokolo Market

All is set for the election of heads of various sections of the Mokolo Market of Yaounde today June 26. The elections follow the closure of the market for one week by the Senior Divisional for Mfoundi, Jean Claude Tsila, following clashes between members of the Committee for the Fight Against Urban Disorder and hawkers.

At the Yaounde City Council yesterday June 25, the atmosphere was calm as traders and hawkers thronged the premises not only to register for the elections, but also to help campaign for their candidates. Antoine Lenguen who belongs to the hawkers section explained that yesterday was set aside for campaigning to give candidates the opportunity to make themselves known to their electorate. The candidate of the hawkers section, Mbombou Oumarou said he believes that electing heads of sections will bring some order to the market. "We will know who is who in the market," he said.

At the Mokolo Market yesterday, very few traders were present as everybody was heading for the Yaounde City Council. Since the temporary closure of the market, life has not been easy for the traders. Some of them have moved to nearby markets such as Mvog Betsi, Mbankolo, Mfoundi and Essos. One of the hawkers, Emmanuel T. said since the closure, he has not been able to make ends meet. He said he is only waiting to for its reopening on Thursday June 28.

Another hawker, Njila V. said he belongs to the aesthetics section where he assists a cousin who owns a hair dressing saloon. Other hawkers said they were just at home doing while waiting for the re-opening of the market. Mrs. Claire Koa who sells foodstuff said she stocked her home with food that will last a week. "I had to do that because I have no where else to go and sell," she explained. However, the traders are all determined and hopeful that order will be restored to Mokolo Market.