Douala: Douche Market traders face heightened Police crackdown

By Synthia Lateu

Traders at the Douche Market in Douala are grappling with intensified police enforcement following the death of a fellow vendor nearly a week ago during a confrontation with security forces.

Previously displaying their goods on makeshift stalls, vendors now move constantly with their merchandise in hand, trying to evade patrols by police and Douala City Council officers. The increased security presence has heightened tension in the area.

Traders say the fear of arrest or having their goods confiscated has severely disrupted their daily activities, making it increasingly difficult to earn a living.

The incident occurred on May 8, when a confrontation erupted between a trader and security officers who had seized his goods. The vendor, unable to cope with the stress, collapsed and was rushed to the Laquintinie Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In response, vendors at the market declared two days of mourning on May 9 and 10, suspending sales in solidarity with their deceased colleague. During the protest, they decried what they described as ongoing injustices and illegal practices affecting their livelihoods. Many accused security personnel of extorting money in exchange for allowing them to occupy the sidewalks, an arrangement they say is essential for survival.

One neighbour of the deceased trader, who requested anonymity, described the events leading up to the tragedy: “My goods were seized too, and I was asked to pay 2,000 FCFA to get them back, which I did. But he was asked for 5,000 FCFA. He said he hadn’t sold anything and could only offer 2,000 FCFA, but they refused. He collapsed at the post we don’t know if it was from the stress” he said.

The Douche Market, located in Cameroon’s economic capital, is heavily populated with traders, many of whom operate outside Chinese-owned shops lining the area. Often referred to as the “Chinese Market,” the location is a bustling hub of street vending with many sellers relying on it as their sole means of livelihood.

Traders say this latest incident has pushed them to the brink after years of alleged harassment and extortion by security agents. Calls for reform and accountability are on the rise.

Security officials stationed at the market declined to comment on the incident or to address the allegations.