Mozambique: Maputo Municipality eliminates funeral fees
Nampula: Market demolition leaves 1,000 vendors out of business
8:08 CAT | 09 May 2023
Demolition of the Firefighter's Market took place under police supervision on Friday, April 28, 2023 [Photo: Sitoi Lutxeque/DW]
- Nampula provincial Judicial Court ordered the demolition of the Mercado dos Bombeiros (Firefighters’ Market) in Nampula city, leaving 1,000 vendors out of work. Ownership of the market was claimed by an entrepreneur, while the workers’ lawyer talks about violation of the law.
More than 700 stores at the market of the Mozambican Youth Organization ( OJM), known as the Firefighters’ Market [Mercado dos Bombeiros], were destroyed roughly two weeks ago, (April 28,) by order of the Judicial Court of Nampula province, putting an end to a dispute between a businessman and vendors at the market, which has been operating for about 30 years.
Sellers are disappointed by the procedures used, which they consider opaque.
“The government owes us an explanation. We are being expelled and we don’t know where to go. Our own state is not valuing us as human beings, does not solve our problem,” says vendor João Mário, one of those affected.
Foreigners are most affected
The demolition of the Mercado dos Bombeiros directly affects more than 1,000 vendors, mostly foreigners from countries such as Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea.
João Mário says that this will negatively affect the survival of many families.
“This situation is not good. Many families make a living from these businesses (…), and the market being dismantled in this way is not good for anyone. Even for us Mozambicans, as well as for the foreigners working here,” he complains.
Foreign businessman Daillo Djaló, who has been in business at the market for around 30 years, also regrets what happened and says that, although he recognizes and respects Mozambican legislation, he will appeal the decision.
“Since 2021, the court has not called me nor sought to find out anything about me. I don’t know why the judge acted like that. How can you destroy a place where a person has been [working] for 30 years?” he asks.
Is the destruction of the market illegal?
Social activist and human rights defender Gamito dos Santos believes that the demolition of the market was illegal and could result in an increase in crime, due to lack of employment for young people for whom the market was the only source of income.
“We need to address this situation before it drives our brothers into thievery and marginalization. We ask the international community to get a handle on this,” he demands.
The sellers’ lawyer, Abdulremane Ibraimo, considers that the demolition was illegal.
“We live under the rule of law,” he begins by saying, noting that the sellers should have been informed of the demolition decision at least 30 days in advance.
“People should be notified so as to, first, exercise [in court] their right to contest [ prior to a decision],” he added.
Neither the Mozambican Youth Organization (Frelimo Youth League – OJM) nor the businessman who bought the market location were available to comment on the matter to DW.
Source: Deutsche Welle
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