Sierra Leone Market Women to Boycott Monday’s Protest

Some market women in Freetown and other parts of the country have decided to boycott a proposed protest slated for Monday, September 11.

On Monday, I have to open my shop and go on my normal business, I stay here and I am the CEO of my business. I have no information on demonstration either from the radio stations or television so, I have to open my shop and go on my normal business,” a market woman said.

She advised other business people to maintain the peace and go on their normal business on Monday and Tuesday, adding that, as schools have reopened the pupils need to go to school and be safe. She called on everyone to keep the peace and protect the image of the country.

The unknown organisers of the protest said they will coming out on Monday to protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

The government has already termed the supposed protest to be illegal and called on locals especially in the capital to go about their normal business.

Meanwhile, a heavy military presence was seen in parts of Freetown on Saturday. Sources have revealed that the security personnel will be deployed in strategic parts of the capital on Sunday night.

In another news, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha engaged with the transport sector throughout the country to get them understand why they should disregard the rumours and go on their normal business as well as helping the security sector for vital information and quick response.

Some commercial motorcyclists, taxi drivers commercial tricycle and other individuals in the sector have all pledged their commitment at different levels of engagement to go on their normal business and maintain the peace.

Although protests are rare in Sierra Leone, they often turn deadly. In August 10 last year, a protest against the rising cost of living left 25 people dead and many more injured.