Fada N’Gourma: The central market of Fada N’Gourma was temporarily closed by the traders of the said market, on Friday, January 17, 2025, as a protest against a decision of the municipal council relating to the increase in the rental prices of shops.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the special delegation of the urban commune of Fada N’Gourma indicated in a press release dated January 15, 2025, to the traders of the central market of the city that in accordance with the consultations on the revision of rents for 2025, the new rental rates would come into force from January 1, 2025.
To protest against the implementation of the new rental rates and equipment of the central market, traders organized a demonstration on the morning of Friday, January 17, 2025, demanding the closure of the market. The trader of the central market, Aziz Congo, found this decision of the municipal council unacceptable in this context of insecurity where trade pays the high price. “Everyone knows the situation of Fada N’Gourma which has become a red zone since the advent of terrorism. Traders are suffering in this market because activities are no longer working as before,” he said.
According to Mr. Congo, against all expectations, a note from the special delegation was written which indicates that the rental costs of the shops, which were formerly 3,000 CFA francs, are increasing to 6,000 CFA francs, and those of 40,000 CFA francs are doubling. “This decision that the delegation wants to implement was only taken on January 13, 2025,” Aziz Congo maintained. For him, it is not normal that we apply this regulation immediately.
After discussions with the delegation authorities, a solution was found to allow the merchants to continue their activities. Thus, a few hours after the protest, the secretary general of the town hall of Fada N’Gourma established a note which suspended the application of the new rates of rents and equipment of the central market.