Nestled in the heart of Libreville’s bustling economy, the Mont-Bouët Market stands as both a vital lifeline for local commerce and a hotspot for a deeply entrenched scandal. For years, traders here have endured a shadowy system of extortion that drains their already tight budgets. Now, the mounting pressure has placed Mayor Eugène Mba at the center of a high-stakes battle to dismantle the racketeering network that thrives within the city’s largest marketplace.

Beneath the vibrant chaos of stalls and the rhythmic calls of vendors, a darker reality festers. Representatives from the Gabonese Entrepreneurs’ Union (SDG) and the Development Solidarity NGO (ONG-SDG) recently gathered traders to share their grievances. What emerged was a pattern of organized extortion, allegedly involving municipal officials and law enforcement personnel, who exploit their positions to extort far more than legally permitted fees.

Testimonies reveal a systemic overcharging scandal. One trader lamented, « Municipal agents now demand 2,000 FCFA per stall—four times the regulated rate of 500 FCFA. » Even worse, receipts are rarely issued, leaving no paper trail while millions in public funds vanish into private pockets.

An entrenched crisis resistant to reform

This isn’t a new issue. For decades, racketeering has survived municipal turnover after turnover, fueled by opaque cash transactions and powerful networks of influence. The financial strain on small traders has reached a breaking point, compounded by Gabon’s economic downturn and shrinking purchasing power. Without robust oversight at City Hall, the problem has festered unchecked.

Mayor Mba faces an uphill challenge: breaking the cycle of corruption that has long paralyzed the market’s integrity. His administration must confront a deeply rooted system where informal payments and backroom deals dictate daily operations.

Digital payments as a potential game-changer

In the face of what critics call « mission impossible, » innovative solutions are being proposed to restore transparency. Economists and market stakeholders agree that phasing out cash transactions in favor of direct digital payments to municipal accounts could sever the lifeline of corrupt intermediaries. By eliminating physical cash exchanges, the city could track every fee, eliminate overcharging, and rebuild trust between local businesses and city authorities.

For Mayor Mba, success would mean more than just cleaning up the market—it’s about reviving faith in local governance. The Mont-Bouët traders are the backbone of Libreville’s informal economy, and their survival hinges on a fair, accountable system free from exploitation.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst