By: Fatou Krubally
Vendors at the Serekunda market have been recently agitated by the police crackdown on street vending as Operation Clear the Road taskforce reached the country’s largest open-air market, leaving many of them grumbling over the development.
Tensions ran high as the taskforce descended down the market in an attempt to clear the highway and the pathways of any obstructive material.
According to the Gambia government officials, the operation aims to restore order and safety on public roads, but it jolted many vendors into scramble to protect their livelihoods.
As the taskforce, accompanied by men armed to the teeth with weapons approached, vendors dashed helter-skelter to hide their wares in nearby shops, fearing confiscation. Kaddy Manneh, a young market vendor, expressed her frustration: “If these people want me to go into prostitution, then what can I do? This is how I make my money to survive.”
Her words echoed the sentiments of many who felt cornered by the authorities.
A shoe vendor shared his perspective on the situation.
“We are just trying to make a living. I have a family to support, and this is the only way I can provide for them,” he said, highlighting the struggles faced by those working in the informal sector.
A mother of three, Fatou Jallow, also voiced her concerns.
“I pay my children’s school fees with the money I earn from selling here. If they take my goods, how will I take care of my family?” she stated, illustrating the harsh realities many vendors faced during the operation.
The fear of the presence of armed men was palpable, as many vendors were forced to abandon their stalls.
“It’s like we are being chased away from our own means of survival,” said Lamin Fofana, another vendor who witnessed the chaos unfold. “We just want to work; we don’t want trouble.”
As the operation continued, the police reaffirmed their commitment to keeping roads clear for public safety.
However, the impact on the vendors was significant. Many felt that the authorities did not consider their circumstances, leading to a feeling of desperation among those who relied on street sales for their income.
While the Operation Clear the Road aims to maintain order, it has left many vendors in a precarious position. The voices of Kaddy, Fatou, Lamin, and others serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between public safety and the livelihoods of those who work in the informal economy. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the concerns of these vendors while ensuring the safety of public roads.