Insecurity: Stalls Demolished Over Recurrent Harassments

An area once filled with stalls that served as leisure spots for workers in the Mvan, Efoulan and Mvog-Mbi neighborhoods, has been evacuated after officials of the Efoulan Council forcefully evicted the vendors by destroying the stalls. Their stalls offered a variety of meals and drinks, and workers from neighbouring companies usually dined there during their lunch break. According to information gathered from the scene, the council officials took the drastic action following an incident in which an official at the Presidency was harassed in the vicinity. They speculated that the vendors, who operated from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm attracted not only workers, but also a number of idle delinquents who engaged in theft and harassment of passersby. Officials reported previous incidents and expressed their belief that the recurring theft and instances of physical and sexual harassment in the area will cease once the stalls were removed. Vendors walked away in sorrow as their source of livelihood was abruptly taken away from them. Many expressed their anger over the lack of prior notice from the council, which led to their stock of goods being discarded during the evacuation process. A frequent visitor to the area, Steven Balla Mbarga lamented over the issue, “this used to be my regular spot since it’s close...