Matoto traders protest for commercial spaces

Female traders from the Matoto market staged a protest in front of the local town hall on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, demanding designated spaces to conduct their business. The demonstration caused temporary traffic disruptions on the Fidel Castro highway.

The dispute involves the use of commercial areas near spare parts shops, where sellers have accused the traders of regularly setting up in front of their businesses. This tension has previously led to several physical altercations between the two groups. According to a municipal official, many of the protesting women are traders who had been previously evicted from their previous locations.

Matoto Mayor Moussa Diallo met with the protesters to call for dialogue and urged them to return to their activities. He proposed organizing discussions between the traders, their representatives, and the spare parts sellers. The protesters eventually dispersed following an appeal from their leader.