Throughout 2022, standards of living dropped drastically as a result of a hike in the prices of basic commodities on the local market. Government authorities in different outings blamed the current situation on the Russo-Ukrainian war and this is affecting low income earners the most.
In Nkongsamba, Moungo Division of the Littoral region, denizens term the situation “unbearable”. In the Nkongsamba Central Market, a housewife carrying a sack of foodstuff says the world is coming to an end because getting three meals a day is now close to impossible:
“Paul Biya, we are dying. Help us. Save us from this chronic economic crisis. I came to the market with 30,000FCFA but returning with an empty bag. I have even borrowed a cup of egusi for 500frs. If not of trust, who would dare borrow one foodstuff which are today crazily expensive?”
Just like other women who are unable to handle their homes with the high cost of commodities, this housewife goes further to urge men to increase the sum given to their wives as monthly allowance to stock the home. She says the 25,000 to 30,000 Frs usually given to them by their husbands can no longer feed the family for a full month:
“With 50,000frs , we can manage. 30,000frs is now for peanuts.”
Most men interviewed say it is rather unfortunate that women are demanding that their allowances be increased but this can unfortuantely not be done because monthly wages remain unchanged even though prices of basic commodities keep rising.
