The government of Cote d'Ivoire has taken a significant step to support traders affected by a recent market fire in Bondoukou. A delegation led by Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Artisanal, Kalil Konaté, and Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity, and Poverty Reduction, Myss Belmonde Dogo, visited the city on September 20, 2026. They were accompanied by Minister of State and President of the Gontougo Regional Council, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani.
During the visit, the government delegation provided financial assistance to the victims, handing over an envelope containing 32.5 million Fcfa. This support is part of the government's solidarity efforts with market fire victims across the country. According to Minister Konaté, the aid follows a census and evaluation of losses, which identified approximately 779 traders affected by the fire in Bondoukou.
Minister Konaté emphasized that the financial assistance is an immediate response to the victims' distress, while structural measures are being considered to enhance market security and modernization. He announced several projects, including the introduction of a trader's card, improved market management, and modernization and digitalization of market spaces. A draft law on the management of wholesale and retail markets is also underway.
The government plans to implement a national program for constructing proximity markets and rehabilitating damaged market infrastructure, which could benefit Bondoukou. Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo encouraged traders to remain hopeful despite difficulties and announced a special initiative for women beneficiaries of the Women's Support Fund in Cote d'Ivoire.
The ceremony also featured a phone intervention by Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Insertion, and Civic Service, Mamadou Touré. He announced the establishment of a working committee to identify young victims, assess their needs, and explore financing mechanisms to help them rebuild their commercial activities.
Present at the meeting, Minister of State Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani praised the announced measures, considering them an initial response to the concerns of affected traders. Bondoukou Mayor, Ouattara Anzoumana, expressed the municipal council's and population's gratitude to the government for its support.
The president of Bondoukou traders, Ouattara Korotoum, also welcomed the government's mobilization and thanked the state for its assistance to the victims. With this support, the government aims to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the market fire and facilitate the recovery of their commercial activities.
Key points
- The Cote d'Ivoire government has allocated 32.5 million Fcfa to support 779 traders affected by the Bondoukou market fire.
