Just hours before the President of the Republic's economic tour of the Kédougou region, scheduled for February 7th and 8th, the department of Saraya is holding its breath. Along the route that will take the Head of State to Moussala, the people are harboring high hopes, mixed with long-standing anxieties. Here, the grievances are well-known, repeated year after year, but rarely followed by concrete action.

A strategic department with strong mining potential, bordering and rich in natural resources, Saraya nevertheless continues to face structural challenges that severely hinder its development.

A health center with limited capacity

Inaugurated with high expectations, the Saraya health center is still struggling to fully fulfill its role. Its technical facilities are considered inadequate, the lack of an operating theater drastically limits emergency care, and the shortage of qualified staff further complicates the provision of healthcare. For many residents, the facility resembles more of an expanded health post than a true county health center capable of meeting the needs of a constantly growing population.

Impassable roads that isolate the department

Isolation remains one of the main obstacles to local development. Several strategic areas are currently in a state of advanced disrepair:

• Saraya – Saïensoutou

• Bembou – Bransan

• Saraya – Guémédjé

These almost impassable roads complicate travel, hinder economic exchanges and accentuate the isolation of localities, especially those located in border areas.

Telecommunications, electricity, water: essential needs that remain unmet.

In communities like Missirah Sirimana, phone coverage remains very poor, or even non-existent in some areas, particularly along the border. Residents denounce a genuine digital marginalization that limits access to information, administrative services, and economic opportunities.

Access to electricity is among the lowest in the country. Much of the department remains plunged into darkness after nightfall. Added to this is the crucial issue of drinking water: none of the six municipalities benefits from a sustainable supply system. Frequent shortages affect both households and economic activity.

Youth, women and gold miners: an underutilized potential

Despite the presence of large mining companies, Saraya lacks any vocational training centers. Young people lack guidance and prospects to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the local mining economy. Many end up in precarious jobs or are forced into internal migration.

Women, key players in the local economy, denounce the lack of financing mechanisms adapted to their activities. Access to credit and empowerment programs remains very limited.

As for gold panning, which is one of the department's main economic activities, it is going through a critical period. Lacking clearly defined mining areas and structured support, gold panners operate in a climate of uncertainty and insecurity.

State services lacking infrastructure

Public infrastructure is also struggling to keep up. Several decentralized state services—the prefecture, the CDPES (Departmental Commission for the Prevention of Environmental and Social Cohesion), agricultural services, livestock, water and forestry, hygiene, and urban planning—lack adequate premises to function normally. This situation slows down administrative processes and fuels the feeling of abandonment felt by some members of the population.

The impact of mining companies questioned

Despite their massive presence, many residents believe that the benefits from mining companies fall short of expectations. Social investments are considered insufficient, and direct benefits for local communities appear limited given the scale of resource exploitation.

The hope of a decisive turning point

Faced with this accumulation of challenges, the presidential visit is seen as a major opportunity. The people of Saraya expect clear commitments, concrete decisions, and an acceleration of public investment.

Despite the difficulties, one hope remains: that of finally seeing Saraya emerge from the shadows and fully benefit from her immense potential.