In response to the escalating tensions on Abacha Street, Freetown, Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr expressed her concern about the unfortunate events that took place on Thursday, July 27th.

Although currently out of the country, she clarified that an audio circulating on social media, attributing words about the removal of Abacha Street traders to her, is false.

According to the Mayor, in her absence, the Deputy Mayor-Elect took charge and engaged relevant authorities to support the release of the arrested traders.

“I am currently out of the country but as Mayor-Elect, I was deeply concerned about the unfortunate events of Thursday 27th July. In my absence, the Deputy Mayor-Elect engaged relevant authorities and supported the release of arrested traders,” she stated on her social media page.

The clash between the Abacha Street Traders and the Freetown City Council Police emerged when the council requested the traders to stop selling on the street and relocate to a designated area. However, the traders, relying on street sales to sustain their families, demanded a suitable alternative location for their business.

The situation became more complicated when plans to allocate the newly constructed Victoria Park Market to the traders fell through, as it was designated for non-traders. This left the traders with no choice but to continue their business activities on Abacha Street.

Stepping in to address the escalating situation, the newly appointed Minister of Trade, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, known as ‘TEX,’ organized a crucial meeting at the Office of National Security (ONS) Tower Hill. The meeting involved high-ranking officials, AIG Brima Jah and AIG Sylvester Koroma, as well as representatives from the Trader Union and Traders’ Council, along with members of the Market Women & Traders’ Union.

During the meeting, participants engaged in detailed discussions to find viable and lasting solutions to the street trading issue, with a primary focus on identifying a suitable market location, especially considering the ongoing construction of the Sewa Ground Market.

Despite efforts to mediate and find a resolution, tensions flared up again when the traders clashed with the FCC Police, who urged them to move back to ensure smooth traffic flow along Abacha Street. The situation remains challenging, and further measures are being explored to address the concerns of both the traders and the city council.