The Collective of operators of Dougar, Khor and Dougar Poutou, supported by the Collective against land grabbing in the area, firmly opposes the project to establish a dry port in the heart of the classified forest.

Spokesperson for these movements, Mamour Diop Thioune, alerted national and international opinion during a meeting with the press.

"Our objective today is to challenge the memorandum of understanding relating to the establishment of a dry port in the classified forest, in order to demand its definitive and mandatory suspension," he said.

The operators point out that Law 2018-25 of November 12, 2018, concerning the Forestry Code, stipulates that "the destruction of forest cover in a classified forest may only be authorized in exceptional circumstances, and solely when it serves a clearly defined and essential public purpose." According to them, only the President of the Republic has the power to declassify a forest, and then only in exceptional circumstances.

Existing alternatives

The group points out that a functional dry port already exists less than 2 km from the proposed site, covering an area of 6 hectares. Therefore, they question the relevance of a new application for 15 hectares in a protected zone, especially since the State is simultaneously developing the port of Ndayane and has land reserves in Sandiara.

“The initial file for the dry port of Holding Gueye covered 40 hectares. Today we find ourselves with 115 hectares. What procedure was initiated for such a discrepancy?” asks Mamadou Diop Thioune.

A threat to local populations

 

Operators denounce a "forced" process that would compel populations to relocate for the benefit of private interests.

"Can a private individual displace villagers and sacrifice the public interest for a personal project?", ask the members of the collective.

They also point out that Senegal, a signatory to numerous international environmental agreements, has a duty to protect its classified forests in order to remain consistent with its climate commitments.

Faced with the irregularities observed, the group is requesting the direct intervention of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

"We are asking for the arbitration of the head of state as well as the support of national and international opinion," the members insist.

For the farmers, this fight goes beyond mere land: it is a struggle for the preservation of the environment and the dignity of local populations threatened with eviction.

The groups in Dougar say they are determined to continue their fight to preserve their land, their heritage and the future of their children.