Occupation des autoponts : Le communiqué de désespoir du gouverneur de Dakar
The governor of the Dakar region issued a statement on May 15th expressing his regret over the unauthorized occupation of overpasses in the capital. "This situation is manifested in particular by the erection of makeshift shelters, the conduct of unauthorized commercial activities, the chaotic parking of motorcycles and various equipment, as well as the use of these spaces as overnight accommodations," the governor noted, announcing "systematic operations to monitor and clear the illegally occupied spaces."
This press release, which should announce good news, is in itself a cause for despair at seeing this country emerge and then develop.
This despair stems primarily from the timing. It took a report from RTS (Swiss Radio and Television) to elicit a reaction from the civil administrator. Yet, this occupation the governor is referring to is nothing new. Every time a facility opens to the public, it is quickly overrun. Privatization happens within a matter of weeks. The first person who arrives snatches a lease and is quickly followed by others. Everyone carves out their own private space, without anyone raising an objection.
The governor announces an operation with the defense and security forces. And yet, the anarchic occupation takes place every day under the (powerless or indifferent?) gaze of the police and gendarmes. Uniformed officers are present at almost every overpass in Dakar. This anarchic occupation is part of their daily routine. They are privileged witnesses to this phenomenon, from firsthand accounts to the chaotic scenes that finally draw attention. The question arises: why don't they intervene upstream? Isn't it simpler to prevent this occupation rather than allow it to continue, thus fostering habit and a sense of legitimacy before finally evicting the occupants? Especially since this eviction, while normal and desired, shatters hopes and dreams, and sometimes even the conviction of being a victim.
Ageroute and the city of Dakar
However, although he reacted rather than anticipated, the governor at least felt compelled to act. And this is the second source of despair. Indeed, some people are entrusted with a public mission but feel completely unconcerned. Ageroute, the agency responsible for major highways, doesn't seem to care. On its Facebook page, a press release dated April 28 (posted on May 6) announces an eviction operation "in connection with the 2026 Youth Olympic Games."
The message is clear: the eviction is only happening because of an international event. Once that's over, anyone who wants to is free to return and occupy those spaces. And for those whose properties aren't on the competition routes, they may have nothing to worry about. After all, the goal isn't to preserve the living environment at all times and in all places, but simply to prove to the world, just for the duration of the Youth Olympic Games, that Dakar is a clean and organized city.
Today, the discussion revolves around what's happening under bridges, yet occupations are also taking place on the infrastructure itself. At the Fann bridge, for example, the space between the two lanes has been occupied, with makeshift shelters erected in addition. The same scenario played out in the past on a footbridge over the VDN (Voie de Dégagement Nord). All this is happening while Ageroute (the road authority) remains inactive.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Dakar is more concerned with his position than with the city, fearing a special delegation. The Dakar municipality is conspicuously absent from this issue. There has been almost no initiative to restore order within its jurisdiction. Yet Khalifa Sall had shown the way. He had demonstrated that a vision devoid of political calculation could pay off, including electorally.
As for the mayors of the other towns, let's not even go there. For them, the priority lies elsewhere. It takes more than a television report to get their attention.
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