The Kédougou region is at a standstill. The strike called by the Federation of Road Transporters has been widely heeded, plunging several towns in the Southeast into a state of near paralysis. Between travel difficulties, supply shortages, and the increased risks associated with alternative modes of transport, the population is already expressing its exasperation.

 

At the Kédougou bus station, the observation is clear: no vehicles in circulation, engines off, parking lots overflowing with parked cars. An unusual scene that illustrates the scale of the movement.

 

“We have been stuck since this morning. It is impossible to find a vehicle to reach our villages or even to do our shopping. It is very difficult for us,” says Awa Diallo, a shopkeeper encountered on site, visibly distraught.

 

The situation is the same in Salémata, where the impact of the strike is being severely felt. Many residents are struggling to reach Kédougou, the main supply center for the area.

 

“We depend on Kédougou to buy our food. Today, there is no means of transport. Some have walked for kilometers, others have simply given up,” explains Mamadou Ba, a resident of the locality.

 

At the Moussa border crossing, there is total silence. Large trucks are immobilized, thus blocking trade. This situation is causing particular concern among economic stakeholders in the area.

 

In Saraya, the strike is also being observed. Only the Senegal Dem Dikk company is still tentatively providing services between Saraya, Kédougou and Salémata, which is insufficient to meet the growing demand.

 

Faced with this crisis, people have no choice but to turn to alternative solutions, particularly tricycles. But this recourse is not without consequences.

 

"We have no choice, but it's dangerous. The tricycles don't always respect the safety rules and they are often overloaded," warns Fatoumata Keïta, a mother.

 

The same sentiment was echoed by young people: "We risk our lives just to get around. But being stuck is not an option either," added Ibrahima Camara.

 

Between anxiety and resignation, residents of southeastern France are urgently appealing to authorities for a swift resolution to the crisis. Because beyond the standoff between transport companies and public authorities, it is the local population that is already paying the heaviest price.