A demonstrator throws a rock at police during a protest at a neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal, Saturday, June 3, 2023. The clashes first broke out later this week after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was convicted of corrupting youth and sentenced to two years in prison. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning at Kaolack’s central market, destroying eight shops and causing material losses estimated at nearly 20 million CFA francs.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
According to local reports, the fire erupted around 2 a.m., quickly engulfing multiple stalls.
Firefighters responded promptly, but the damage was significant, reigniting concerns among traders and residents alike.
This latest incident is part of a troubling pattern in Kaolack, a key commercial hub in Senegal’s peanut basin.
On 1 February 2025, a major fire devastated the “PackBa” sector in the Zinc market, destroying canteens, craft workshops, and parts of sawmills across almost 1,000 square metres.
A few weeks earlier, on 22 December 2024, the Guédj market also suffered extensive fire damage.
Local authorities and traders say these recurring disasters highlight the fragility of commercial infrastructure and the absence of modern fire prevention and security measures in the city’s markets.
Kaolack, strategically located at the crossroads of Senegal’s main national roads, is home to nearly 300,000 residents and serves as a central trading hub for both local and national commerce. Markets form the backbone of the city’s economy, and repeated fire incidents pose a serious threat to public safety and economic resilience.
Traders and commercial associations are now urging the government to implement a comprehensive infrastructure modernisation plan. They stress the need for improved fire prevention systems, better emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight to safeguard businesses and protect livelihoods.
“These markets are vital for our city and our economy,” said a local traders’ representative. “Without immediate reforms, we risk seeing these tragedies repeat, affecting thousands of families and the region’s economic stability.”
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and have pledged to assess structural vulnerabilities to prevent future incidents, while firefighters continue to reinforce safety protocols across Kaolack’s commercial centres.
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