The work to present the diagnostic findings of the Southern Territory Hub, aimed at gathering observations and recommendations from local stakeholders with a view to validating the document, was chaired by the Governor of Ziguinchor, in the absence of the Minister of Urban Planning, Local Authorities and Territorial Development who was unable to attend.

The regional executive leader reminded everyone that the territorial hubs are a directive from the new authorities, adopted as part of efforts to improve territorial governance. This policy aims to operationalize the territorialization of public policies, but above all, to leverage the potential inherent in the various territories.

For Mor Talla Tine, this meeting should give a boost to the southern region, which, according to him, is lagging far behind. "Despite its numerous economic potentials, the Ziguinchor region, and the southern region in general, still lags behind other areas. This is why this exercise gives us the opportunity to jointly identify the constraints, issues, challenges, and vulnerabilities. Speaking of these vulnerabilities, we noted in particular the isolation of many localities, which prevents the population from developing the region's agricultural potential. Also in terms of vulnerability, even though it can represent an asset, the border, which stretches for several kilometers, presents us with some difficulties, notably the lack or absence of infrastructure to improve the lives of the population," the governor explained.

For him, this process should be used to propose strategies, but above all projects and programs to better open up localities, but especially to contribute to the realization of basic social facilities, particularly in border areas.

Mor Talla Tine subsequently praised the inclusive approach of involving all stakeholders in this process. "The voice of local stakeholders was not sufficiently taken into account. But with this implementation process of the territorial hubs, we have seen that these stakeholders have been involved."