A meeting was held in Tenenkou, Mauritania, to discuss the rising cost of living in the area. The meeting, presided over by Ousmane Diamouténé, the second deputy prefect of the cercle, was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives of traders, fuel vendors, bakers, transporters, and cereal decorticators. The gathering aimed to address the concerns of the local population regarding the increasing prices of essential goods and services.
The crisis had been exacerbated by a fuel shortage in the country, which had led to a surge in prices of certain products and transportation costs on several routes. Although the fuel supply has largely returned to normal, prices of some products have not decreased. The community leaders had urged the administrative authorities to look into the issue of the high cost of living in Tenenkou.
Soumaïla Bocar Coulibaly, the second deputy mayor of Tenenkou's urban commune, welcomed the meeting, which provided an opportunity to find solutions to the legitimate concerns of the population. The meeting was marked by frank and fruitful discussions, with participants acknowledging the need for a collaborative approach to address the issue.
During the meeting, Ousmane Diamouténé recalled the legal conditions for exercising commerce and fixing prices in markets. He also emphasized the importance of responsibility and patriotism among stakeholders. The authorities have made efforts to ensure a stable fuel supply, and participants were encouraged to work together to find solutions to the price hikes.
Several sub-committees were formed to propose prices for products and transportation services by next week. These committees comprise representatives of traders, fuel vendors, bakers, and cereal decorticators. The goal is to establish reasonable prices that will alleviate the suffering of the local population.
The current prices of goods and services in Tenenkou are significantly higher than before. For example, the cost of transportation from Tenenkou to Bamako has increased to 18,000 FCFA, up from 7,000 to 8,000 FCFA previously. The price of a baguette of bread has risen to 350 FCFA from 300 FCFA, while the cost of decorticating a sack of rice is now 1,500 FCFA.
The local population will have to wait for the proposed price adjustments to take effect. In the meantime, they will have to cope with the current prices. The authorities and stakeholders have pledged to work together to find a lasting solution to the issue of the high cost of living in Tenenkou.
Key points
- The meeting in Tenenkou aimed to address the rising cost of living and find solutions to the concerns of the local population.
- The fuel shortage had exacerbated the crisis, leading to a surge in prices of certain products and transportation costs.
- Sub-committees were formed to propose prices for products and transportation services by next week.
