After 22 months of rehabilitation work, IOM has handed over to local authorities the rehabilitated market in the Ngebengewe district of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR).

The market is located at an important intersection between a mostly Muslim enclave and the mixed (Christian and Muslim) 5th district. ‎This area has seen some of the fiercest fighting since December 2013. Reopening the market is important to both communities as it symbolizes a return to normalcy and security in the area. 

Madame Solange, representing female vendors at the market said: “We have been waiting for this day for months. This market is really important for us women. We live here in the neighborhood and grow our produce here. Going to other markets to sell our goods is expensive and dangerous. Going to other markets to buy food has also been difficult. People from all communities use our market – it is a space where they can meet and chat. It will be great to also have our market functioning normally. Hopefully, many of our neighbors will see this as a sign of peace and decide to come home.” 

The market rehabilitation is part of IOM’s European Union-funded Community Stabilization Programme. The project was chosen by the community and the rehabilitation, albeit often interrupted by insecurity in the area, was carried out through on-the-job training programmes by local young people. 

Over 300 young people participated in the rehabilitation and gained experience as carpenters, brick-makers and in general construction. 

The Community Stabilization Programme has been running since March 2014 and will continue in areas outside Bangui until August 2017.