"We are forgotten by the authorities." This cry from the heart comes from the artisans of Ngaye Méckhé, a commune in the department of Tivaouane, in the heart of Cayor.

These shoemakers, shoe sellers, and other stakeholders, grouped within the cooperative of professional leather craftsmen and associates, are demanding access to public procurement, particularly for the manufacture of military footwear. "The expertise is there; all we need is the government's willingness to support us," they said.

The craftsmen of the "Leather and Skin" sector of Ngaye Méckhé, in partnership with a foreign academy, have recently been trained in the various techniques of assembly, stitching and assembly. Since then, they have set themselves the goal of making formal men's shoes.

Moustapha Sall, president of the cooperative of professional leather craftsmen and associates of Méckhé, is categorical: "Through this partnership, we are now sure, after the high-level training we have undergone, that we have acquired the necessary skills to be able to make military shoes and safety shoes.

He added that the public order would be welcome because the expertise is there. "You have to trust us, give us this public order, because there's no point in having shoes made or bought elsewhere when local artisans can do it."

In this part of Cayor, known as the leather capital, craftsmanship is the flagship activity. This internationally renowned town has emerged from obscurity thanks to the recognition of its artisans' work.