The provisional toll of a fire that consumed a big part of Matoto market, one of the largest in Conakry on Thursday afternoon is known. According to many witnesses interviewed at the scene on Friday morning, about fifty stores burned with all their contents, traders destitute, boutiques and shops demolished and many people injured.
In the market the situation was amazing and pitiful on Friday morning. Shops containing cosmetics, bags of rice, bags, fabrics, TV sets, appliances and house wares, important papers and miscellaneous items were consumed by the fire. Traders were meditating in front of their respective shops, completely charred, where it remained only debris.
Some, for example, had red eyes. Others visibly shocked. On the one hand, some received encouragement from parents. On the other, a group was trying to explain the circumstances of the fire to the curious.
Some owners, wholesalers or retailers, were taking the metals or bars of iron, while others, more determined, were looking for valuables in the rubble.
"I own a famous paper shop in Matoto market. On Wednesday, we received a cargo of paper costing 50 million Guinean francs, plus another large stock. Everything is washed away by fire. Our shop is on the ground. I estimate our losses to some 300 million Guinean francs, "said Boubacar Bah, a well known retailer in Matoto market.
"After the findings, at least from 23 to 26 shops located along the road are reduced to ashes. Inside the market, large shops were also burnt. At least fifty stores on fire. Nobody can tell you accurately the actual loss record, "he added.
But where the fire started?
According to many witnesses interviewed at the scene, the fire would have left the shop number 1. "The fire started in the Shop Number 1, following a short circuit. Immediately, the post-TV exploded. The plates were inflamed. The fire spread in the following stores, one of which contained stationery. In two minutes, one to six shops on fire. And panic everywhere and can stampede, "said one witness.
Why not to limit the damage?
Witnesses said when the fire broke out, many traders were absent from the scene. Some were in the mosque for prayers. Others also in Madina market for shopping. as a result, many stores were closed. "When the fire came up to Shop No. 1, children who were guarding the premises, they did not have the intelligence to quickly notify neighbors. We have been informed too late. "Said a witness.
To believe another trader at the scene, firefighters were conspicuous by their slowness. "When we called, they told us they were short of fuel. The first tanker truck, which came to the rescue, arrived while the fire had started it pace. Then, three to four trucks arrived but it was too late. It is God who saved us. Because the whole market was going to burn, "he said.
Other quirk, the behavior of the security service deployed in the field. "The curious braved the fire to steal appliances, phones and valuables. Security guards broke my safe and stole five million francs and 300 dollars. They left with my money, "confirmed a victim.
"When we tried to empty the burning shops, the curious took everything without our knowledge. Finally, we preferred to leave our things perish in the fire. The first contingent of security arrived on the ground; it was thought that they would assist us. But they did not. Rather, they broke my desk to take all my money, "he accused.
When a police officer was asked about the behavior of the police, he replied in these words. "I have nothing to do with that, write what you want. Go and see my superiors." he said.
Today, all victims ask one thing: the help of other people and the new authorities. "I ask the authorities to rescue us. Personally, I lost everything, "he said.


Mamadou Dian Donghol Diallo
The africanews reporter in Guinea.