PAYNESVILLE — Aggrieved vendors at the Red Light Market in Paynesville staged a protest Thursday, October 8, 2026, demanding answers over what they described as alleged financial malpractice involving World Bank funding intended to benefit marketers affected by development activities.
The protesters marched through parts of the Red Light commercial area carrying placards and chanting slogans as they called for transparency and accountability in the handling and distribution of the funds.
The aggrieved vendors accused the Federation of Petty Traders and Informal Worker Union of Liberia (FEPTIWUL) of mishandling funds they said were intended for affected marketers. Some of the placards carried messages expressing disappointment and demanding answers from those responsible.
World Bank-funded road projects in the Red Light area have previously included provisions for affected petty traders. World Bank resettlement documents for the Red Light–Coca-Cola Factory road project identified thousands of petty traders and provided for compensation and other assistance to people affected by the project.
The Federation of Petty Traders and Informal Worker Union of Liberia has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. Its response is expected to clarify the status of the funds and address the concerns raised by the protesting vendors.
