The local branches of FRAPP, Vision Citoyenne, and ONA2J have spoken out to strongly criticize the management of the Ziguinchor municipality. During a press conference, the leaders of these three civil society organizations denounced the municipal team's "inaction" and pointed to budgetary "inconsistencies."

Construction sites at a standstill

At the heart of the grievances are the projects launched in 2022 by former mayor Ousmane Sonko (current Prime Minister). Civil society is concerned about the stalled rehabilitation work on the Mariama Diédhiou market, the expansion of the Banéto market, the construction of the Boudody fish market, and the renovation of the Jules François Bocandé and Pédro Gomis stadiums.

These organizations accuse the current mayor, Djibril Sonko—who previously held the position of second deputy mayor in charge of finance—of failing to make progress on these projects since taking office. "We are asking the mayor to provide us with an update on the status of these projects," declared Madia Diop Sané, coordinator of the Vision Citoyenne movement.

The blocking of wage increases

Another major point of contention is the refusal to implement Ministerial Circular No. 00515 of July 15, 2025, concerning salary increases. Civil society considers the salaries of municipal employees "derisory" and demands explanations for this persistent impasse, which is impacting the purchasing power of city hall staff.

A call for resignation

The indictment doesn't stop there. The activists also raised issues related to housing developments in certain neighborhoods, the blocking of public lighting projects, and the faulty installation of streetlights.

“Our mayor is incompetent,” declared Madia Diop Sané, asserting that the municipality is severely lagging behind. Faced with what she described as an “inability to properly manage the city’s affairs,” civil society called on the mayor to resign if he cannot turn things around. Finally, they challenged the municipal councilors and the mayor’s staff, urging them to speak frankly so as not to be held responsible for this “mismanagement.”