The demonstrations which occurred last week in Cotonou are moving away and life is resuming its course on a background of anxiety. But in the neighborhood of former president Boni Yayi, traders are paying a heavy price.

Shops, restaurants, banks and other businesses. Businesses along part of the stretch leading to the residence of former Beninese head of state Thomas Boni Yayi are mostly closed. Since the violent clashes between populations and police on the first two of May, the way has been blocked. It was reopened in the morning. During this time, the slump is accentuated as explained by some traders.

"The pharmacy has been open since yesterday. Despite that, there is no sale. Even the customers are afraid."

"There was already a sluggish economy which meant that we were not selling. And so to this is now added this situation which is further weighing down the initial situation. We are thinking about how to do it. If it does not Don't fix it by then, we will have to put down the aprons," lament these traders.

Charles da-Cruz is one of the local elected officials. He deplores the paralysis of commercial exchanges observed in the area. "Clashes between populations and law enforcement in general have led to drastic measures being taken, namely the blocking of an entire section. There is no passage for two- or four-wheeled vehicles. financial impact on these businesses would be immeasurable and would vary from merchant to merchant,” Mr. Da-Cruz said.

The barriers erected by the army are badly perceived by the former head of state Nicéphore Soglo who calls for the free movement of people. "We cannot speak of discussion, of negotiation if we really do not recognize the reality. We can no longer circulate. The government must remove all visible signs of repression. We want to circulate normally," insists Nicéphore Soglo.

Since the deterioration of the post-election atmosphere, no statement from the President of the Republic Patrice Talon. The Episcopal Conference proposes to mediate for a way out of the crisis