The Guinean authorities launched a large-scale demolition operation at the Concasseur market in Conakry on November 14, 2026. The goal was to reclaim land occupied by informal activities and restore the site's commercial purpose. However, several families, particularly women, have been left without homes and are calling for assistance from President Mamadi Doumbouya. The demolitions have sparked concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities.
According to local authorities, some market stalls and installations had been converted into makeshift bars, drug dens, and brothels. The mayor of Gbessia commune, Mohamed Saliou Fofana, stated that the operation aimed to recover commercial spaces and curb insecurity. He claimed that certain market stalls had been transformed into "maquis" and drug consumption areas, prompting the need for intervention.
Aïssatou Bella Bayo, a woman affected by the demolitions, expressed her distress, saying she and her family are now homeless. "We have been living here for several years. Today, they came and destroyed our installations, and we have nowhere to go. We are forced to stay under the stars with our belongings. We are asking the authorities for help, especially President Mamadi Doumbouya. We really need assistance," she said.
Kadiatou Barry, a widow and mother, also lost her home in the demolition. She explained that her late husband had left her the house to live with their children, but it was destroyed while her children were at school. "My husband left me this house to live with my children after his death. Today, it was destroyed while my children were at school. When they return, they will find no home. I have nothing else to say but to ask for President Mamadi Doumbouya's help. It was our only refuge," she said.
Mayor Mohamed Saliou Fofana stated that the operation was part of a commitment to restore order to the markets. He claimed that the goal was to return commercial spaces to the women and ensure their safety. The mayor also announced plans to extend the operation to other commercial centers in the commune and build a modern slaughterhouse on the liberated site.
The demolition has received support from some residents, including the head of the Hamdallaye 1 neighborhood. He described the market area as a hub of delinquency and drug consumption, both day and night. "It's a great relief for the people of Hamdallaye to see this page turn. This place had become a den of debauchery and drug consumption. We have recorded several cases of young people who, after consuming drugs, ended up in the hospital and sadly died," he said.
The situation has sparked concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities, with many calling for assistance and support. The authorities' efforts to restore order to the markets and address insecurity are ongoing, but the humanitarian consequences of the demolition must be addressed. The displaced families are awaiting a response from President Mamadi Doumbouya and other authorities.
Key points
- The Guinean authorities launched a demolition operation at the Concasseur market in Conakry to reclaim land occupied by informal activities and restore the site's commercial purpose.
- Several families, particularly women, have been left without homes and are calling for assistance from President Mamadi Doumbouya.
- The demolition has sparked concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities, with many calling for assistance and support.
