2024-02-15 23:30:50
In Senegal, the postponement of the presidential election initially scheduled for February 25 has opened a new period of uncertainty. In Ziguinchor, in Casamance, economic operators hoped that the deadline would go hand in hand with the resumption of maritime connections between Dakar and Ziguinchor. The suspension, effective since June 2023, and the violence which surrounded the trial of opponent Ousmane Sonko, weigh heavily on the economy of the Southern region.
From our special correspondent in Ziguinchor,
Dead calm at the port of Ziguinchor. The site is deserted and the handling equipment is stationary. Before, ” there were people, there was noise », Testifies Lamine Diedhiou. Sitting under a tree in front of the gate, this dockworker is desperately waiting for the ferries to return: “ I come every day, I’m so eager for it to start again [Une pétition avait été lancée, ndlr]. When I come home, my wife and children look at me. But I have nothing. »
In June 2023, the suspension was justified – unofficially – by “ national security reasons » after riots. Eight months later, it’s the state in which. An incomprehensible situation for Malamine Mané, president of a handling company which operates at the port of Ziguinchor. Normally, he manages the loading and unloading of rice, millet, cashew nuts, cashew nuts and even cement. A sector of activity which normally employs a lot of people. “ At the time of the cashew nut, I recruited 300 people, he takes as an example. Casamance is an integral part of Senegal. It is extremely difficult and pitiful », he regrets.
A little further away, at the fishing port of Boudody, Kébé Samb is sitting in front of her fish stall. “ Previously, I put my fish and shrimp in boxes, and I shipped them by boat to sell them in Dakar, she explains. In two or three days, I had my money. Now I have to put them in ice, to sell them frozen, little by little, but there are losses. »
« The impact is enormous, it’s billions of FCFA »
Currently, nothing is coming out, nothing is coming in through the port. Certain products that arrived from Dakar are missing from the markets, such as vegetables. The plane is not an alternative, especially since the Ziguinchor airport is under construction. Flights are transferred to Cap Skirring, approximately 70 kilometers away. As for the land route, it is more expensive and less safe, explains Jean Pascal Ehemba, president of the Ziguinchor Chamber of Commerce: “ What passes by road are small volumes, that doesn’t quite do the trick. And then the path is too long with the risk of accident. »
The cessation of port activities therefore has a significant economic impact for the locality. “ The impact is enormous, worth billions of FCFA, estimates the president of the Ziguinchor Chamber of Commerce. And that’s why we’re trying to ask for state aid, so that it continues to carry out its sovereign mission to boost the economy of this region. »
During his visit to Ziguinchor last month, Prime Minister Amadou Ba announced an imminent resumption of connections. The port commander assures him, “ maintenance work on boats and on the channel is planned for a safe return of traffic “. No specific date has yet been set.
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