Deconfinement in Gombe in the DRC: the desperation of sellers in the central market which remains closed

A stall on the Kinshasa market. (Illustrative image). JUNIOR KANNAH / AFP

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In Kinshasa, the commune of Gombe is unconfined. The barriers that were erected at each entrance to the capital's business center have been removed. This Monday morning, activities resumed except for the central market which remains closed. The town hall justifies this decision by the rehabilitation works of this market which welcomes approximately 15,000 people per day. A measure criticized by market sellers.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa ,   Patient Ligodi

This Monday, vendors gathered and demonstrated to demand the reopening of this market. On the floor, Anna is angry. She has been unable to sell her vegetables for three months  : “  I have no money. I was kicked out of the house. I no longer have a fixed address. I am a widow, I pay the school fees for my children alone and I have to pay the rent.  "

A few meters from Anna, a few police officers try to calm down Georgette, who is crying: “  I am selling the beans. Governor Ngobila does not want us to sell even around the big market. He does not want. We are ready to die if they do not want to listen to us.  "

Without masks and without respecting social distancing measures, Paul has no other option than to demonstrate in order to be heard: “  Why not demonstrate ? This way of governing can only push us to come together. We are tired. What disease ? The countries that have more than 100,000 infected people are delimited and we? If we don't get it our leaders are not working properly.  "

A crisis meeting is scheduled for Monday around the governor to assess the situation and possibly take further action.

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  • Ground floor
  • Coronavirus
  • Confinement

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