Police fired teargas to disperse clashes between shopkeepers and vendors in Serekunda amid rising tensions over market space.

The unrest follows a protest on Monday by shopkeepers who accused roadside vendors of encroaching on their sales points and demanded they vacate shopfront areas.

Vendors, however, denied any wrongdoing, insisting they were operating within market regulations.

Modou Lamin Touray, a member of the market committee, criticised the Kanifing Municipal Council for failing to address the issue.

“We are tired of this situation. The highway is not meant for selling; it is meant for passage. Due to the vendors occupying the roads, accidents have increased significantly,” he told Gambiana.

Touray added that shopkeepers were prepared to take firm action to prevent vendors from selling on the highways.

“We are ready to stake our lives to ensure vendors are stopped from selling on the highways,” he said.

In response, the Kanifing Municipal Council issued a statement banning sales on the roadsides in an effort to restore order.

By Adama Makasuba