Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – A devastating fire swept through the iconic Sandaga market in the heart of Dakar from Saturday night into Sunday, causing significant damage and destroying numerous shops, including that of well-known merchant Mor Talla “Sandaga.” The inferno, the latest in a series of such incidents, engulfed the market, spreading to adjacent buildings and leaving a trail of destruction.

According to the Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (APS), the fire’s intensity was substantial, with flames quickly consuming the stalls and merchandise within the bustling market. Mor Talla “Sandaga,” famed for his affordable prices and a staple of the market, suffered extensive losses, highlighting the economic impact on individual traders.

Firefighters responded to the scene, battling the blaze as it threatened to spread further into the densely packed urban area. Images circulating on social media and local media outlets depicted the scale of the disaster, showing plumes of smoke and flames rising from the market, a landmark of Senegalese commerce and culture. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Sandaga Market, a historic site constructed between 1933 and 1935, is a vital economic hub in Dakar, attracting both local residents and tourists. However, the market has faced repeated challenges, including the wear and tear of time and, more critically, recurring fires.

In August 2020, the Dakar-Plateau commune initiated renovation efforts to preserve this historical heritage, but the recent incident underscores the vulnerability of the market to such disasters.

This latest fire adds to a troubling pattern, following previous significant fires in 2022 and, more recently, in April 2024.

These repeated incidents have resulted in substantial material and financial losses for traders, raising concerns about safety measures and infrastructure within the market. The recurring nature of these fires highlights the urgent need for improved fire prevention and safety protocols to protect both the traders and the historical significance of Sandaga Market.

The economic impact on the local traders, many of whom rely on their market stalls for their livelihood, is expected to be considerable. The community now faces the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding.