After two days of discussions, vendors at Kindia's main market have obtained a temporary relocation site at the Caravansérail depot near the city's main bus station. The compromise was reached on November 4, 2026, following protests earlier in the week over the state of their commercial spaces. The agreement was facilitated by local authorities, including Prefect Colonel Abdourahmane Kéita, and ensures the vendors can continue operating while awaiting the construction of new hangars on their usual site.
According to Amadou Oury Barry, First Vice-Mayor of Kindia's urban commune, the solution was the result of negotiations between prefectural authorities, the municipality, economic operators, and representatives of the women vendors. The discussions were held at the prefect's office and resulted in a mutually acceptable outcome. Barry emphasized the prefect's leadership in achieving the successful outcome and noted that all stakeholders were involved in finding a solution to the problem.
The initial site claimed by the vendors was already leased to a company through the national railway service. However, following the vendors' protests, the company's representative, Elhadj Baydotal, agreed to make the Caravansérail depot available for temporary use. This compromise allows the vendors to operate while awaiting the construction of permanent hangars on their original site within the main market.
Hadja Marie Avaria Camara, president of the Kindia market women's association, expressed relief and gratitude towards the local authorities, particularly the prefect and First Vice-Mayor, for their efforts in resolving the crisis. She acknowledged that the issue arose from a misunderstanding between the parties and praised the authorities for finding a suitable temporary solution.
The temporary relocation site at Caravansérail depot has been accepted by the vendors, who have committed to ending their protests. Camara emphasized that the compromise represents significant progress in preserving their commercial activities and ensuring the site's future for future generations. She also thanked President Mamadi Doumbouya for his attention to their situation.
The agreement marks a significant development in the dispute between the vendors and the authorities. The prefect and First Vice-Mayor have pledged to continue working towards a definitive solution that will allow the vendors to return to their original site in the long term. The authorities' efforts have been recognized by the vendors, who appreciate the attention given to their concerns.
With the compromise in place, the vendors have agreed to cease their protests, and Camara has assured that there will be no further demonstrations in Kindia over the market issue. The resolution of the crisis has brought relief to the vendors, who can now focus on their commercial activities while awaiting a permanent solution.
Key points
- The vendors have secured a temporary relocation site at the Caravansérail depot near Kindia's main bus station.
- The compromise was reached through negotiations between prefectural authorities, the municipality, economic operators, and vendors.
- The agreement has led to an end to protests, with vendors committing to cease demonstrations.
