Mamadou Mota: Démolition Marché Mora Condemned as "Absolute Cowardice"

• The historic Mora market was demolished overnight by the municipal council, completing an eviction process.
• Mamadou Mota, a local elite, strongly condemned the demolition as an "absolute cowardice" and an "intolerable betrayal."
• Mota appealed to the Prefect of Mayo-Sava to take responsibility, citing the population's existing vulnerability due to insecurity.
• The demolition is part of a municipal project to build a modern Sankré market, with an eviction process initiated months ago.
• The mayor had already begun transferring commercial activities after the first phase of the new market project was completed.

Mamadou Mota did not mince words, describing the act as an 'intolerable betrayal' and asserting that 'those responsible for this economic and social disaster must pay.'

The historic market in Mora, Cameroon, was completely demolished overnight, leaving behind only rubble where shops and counters stood just hours before. This significant event, which witnesses reported occurred around 3 AM, was carried out by the municipal council of Mora. The action effectively concluded a long-standing process of eviction from the site, which had housed the market for an extended period.

This overnight operation transformed the bustling commercial space into a scene of destruction. The suddenness and timing of the demolition have drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about the methods employed in urban development initiatives within the region. The Démolition marché Mora Mamadou Mota has become a focal point of local discourse.

Mamadou Mota, a prominent local figure and former First Vice-President of the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon, who resigned from his position in September 2026, vehemently condemned the demolition, labeling it an "absolute cowardice." Mota highlighted the severe impact on the local populace, who are already grappling with widespread insecurity in the Mayo-Sava region. He argued that the mayor's decision to proceed with the demolition "annihilates their meager means of subsistence," exacerbating the economic fragility of the community.

Mamadou Mota did not mince words, describing the act as an "intolerable betrayal" and asserting that "those responsible for this economic and social disaster must pay." In a direct appeal, Mamadou Mota interpelle préfet Mayo-Sava, urging the Prefect, who serves as the supervisory authority for the commune, to fulfill his responsibilities and intervene in the matter. This call underscores the critical role of higher administrative oversight in local governance actions.

The demolition by the Mairie de Mora démolition marché is part of a broader municipal initiative. The municipal council had initiated an eviction process months prior, which was directly linked to its plan to construct the modern Sankré market. This project, known as the Projet marché moderne Sankré Mora, had already seen its first phase completed, and the mayor had subsequently begun the process of transferring commercial activities from the old market site.

The Déguerpissement marché historique Mora, while framed by the municipality as a step towards modernization, has ignited a debate regarding the adherence to proper administrative procedures and the welfare of displaced traders. The intervention sought from the Prefect highlights the checks and balances inherent in Cameroun droit administratif municipal, where local government actions are subject to review by higher authorities, particularly when they involve significant social and economic disruption.

Lawyers should advise on the legality of municipal demolitions in Cameroon, focusing on adherence to administrative procedures, potential compensation for displaced traders, and the prefect's role in overseeing local government actions. This case highlights potential challenges to municipal authority and the need for due process in urban development projects.

Source: Original reporting via local media