Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Comores Infos
Published on 2024-03-20 07:23:26
At the beginning of Ramadan 2024, a glimmer of hope shone for the people of Comoros when President Azali Assoumani urged traders to reduce the prices of food items. In a sign of this commitment, a price list for certain products was even published. However, these well-intentioned wishes hardly resonated with the daily reality of the inhabitants, who faced a surge in food prices during this sacred month.
The daily lives of the people of Comoros, already marked by difficult economic conditions, are further exacerbated by this food crisis. Finding food to prepare for the iftar, the meal to break the fast, is like a real challenge. The prices of all food products have seen a significant increase, making even mabawas – those popular frozen chicken wings – an unattainable luxury for many. Zebu meat, once accessible to a broader public, is now reserved for the financial elite.
Fruits and vegetables are not exempt from this trend. The prices of bananas, in particular, have reached record levels in the markets, exacerbating difficulties for families with modest incomes. The newspaper “Al-Watwan” particularly highlights the disastrous situation on the island of Mohéli, where, despite an abundant production of bananas, the residents struggle to benefit from them. Traders prefer to export these fruits to the islands of Grande Comore or Anjouan, where they can be sold at a higher price, neglecting the people of Mohéli.
Furthermore, the situation is all the more paradoxical as some imported products, such as oil, sugar, butter, and powdered milk, are more expensive in Comoros than in Mayotte, known for its higher standard of living.
This striking contrast between the intentions expressed at the beginning of Ramadan and the reality of the market illustrates the challenges faced by the people of Comoros. Despite calls for solidarity and efforts to alleviate the burden of the most vulnerable, the food situation remains concerning, reflecting the economic and logistical difficulties that hinder access to affordable food for all.
Translated by AI
Read the original article(French) on Comores Infos
