Government "aid" for Bamenda Main Market fire: Solidarity or negligence cover-up?

The fire, which was considered one of the most devastating in the history of the region, destroyed hundreds of shops and goods worth millions of francs CFA. The fire also claimed the life of a young man, who was lynched by a mob after he was accused of stealing from the burnt shops.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but some witnesses and traders have blamed it on the poor electrical wiring and the lack of fire safety measures in the market. They have also accused the authorities of being slow and ineffective in responding to the fire, and of failing to provide adequate protection and assistance to the victims.

The authorities, on the other hand, have expressed their sympathy and solidarity with the victims, and have promised to compensate them and to rebuild the market. The Senior Divisional Officer of Mezam Division, the administrative authority of the area, has issued a press release, informing all those who were affected by the fire incident to be present at their respective business sites on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 am, for the assessment and evaluation of their damaged shops. They are also required to bring along photocopies of their national identity card and other documents testifying their rights of ownership.

The press release, which was also addressed to the president of the Bamenda main market, all traders of the market, and all media organs, counts on the sense of responsibility of all those concerned and to be present on time for this very important exercise.

The question is: is this call a genuine gesture of solidarity and support from the government, or a cover-up of negligence and incompetence from the authorities? Is this call a sincere attempt to help the traders recover from their losses, or a cynical attempt to silence their complaints and demands? Is this call a constructive step towards the reconstruction and improvement of the market, or a cosmetic measure to conceal the underlying problems and challenges?

The answer is not clear-cut, but it depends on the actions and outcomes that will follow this call. The government's call on traders of affected fire incident could be a positive and productive move, if it is accompanied by:

- A thorough and transparent investigation of the cause and circumstances of the fire, and the identification and prosecution of those responsible, if any.
- A fair and timely compensation of the traders, based on the actual value and evidence of their losses, and not on arbitrary or political criteria.
- A comprehensive and participatory reconstruction and renovation of the market, based on the needs and preferences of the traders, and not on the interests and agendas of the authorities or the contractors.
- A sustainable and effective improvement of the market's infrastructure and services, such as the electrical wiring, the fire safety measures, the security and sanitation facilities, and the access and mobility conditions.
- A respectful and responsive recognition of the market's role and contribution to the economy and society of the region, and the protection and promotion of the rights and freedoms of the traders and the public.

The government's call on traders of affected fire incident could also be a negative and counterproductive move, if it is accompanied by:

- A superficial and biased investigation of the cause and circumstances of the fire, and the exoneration and impunity of those responsible, if any.
- A delayed and inadequate compensation of the traders, based on the minimum or no value and evidence of their losses, and on discriminatory or political criteria.
- A partial and imposed reconstruction and renovation of the market, based on the needs and preferences of the authorities or the contractors, and not on those of the traders.
- A cosmetic and ineffective improvement of the market's infrastructure and services, such as the electrical wiring, the fire safety measures, the security and sanitation facilities, and the access and mobility conditions.
- A dismissive and oppressive recognition of the market's role and contribution to the economy and society of the region, and the violation and restriction of the rights and freedoms of the traders and the public.

The government's call on traders of affected fire incident is not only a matter of procedure or protocol, but also a matter of principle and policy. It is not only a matter of assessment or evaluation, but also a matter of justice and accountability. It is not only a matter of reconstruction or renovation, but also a matter of development and democracy.

The government's call on traders of affected fire incident is a test for the government's credibility and legitimacy, as well as for the traders' resilience and solidarity. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the government's commitment and capacity to serve and protect the people, and to address the challenges and problems that affect them. It is also a challenge to avoid the risks of distrust and discontent, and to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The government's call on traders of affected fire incident is a message to the traders, the public, and the world, that the government cares and acts, or that the government neglects and fails. The government's call on traders of affected fire incident is a gesture of solidarity or a cover-up of negligence. The government's call on traders of affected fire incident is a hope or a despair.