The residents of Daworala took to the streets en masse this weekend to express their frustration with the persistent isolation of their community. Through this mobilization, they intend to draw the authorities' attention to a situation that has become, in their view, unbearable, especially with the approach of each rainy season.

At the heart of the grievances is the Balangouma River, a veritable natural barrier that regularly cuts the village off from the rest of the area. Each rainy season transforms this waterway into an impassable obstacle, isolating Daworala and considerably complicating the movement of the population.

Faced with government inaction, the residents have repeatedly tried to take matters into their own hands. But their efforts remain fragile and insufficient. "For three years now, the people have been mobilizing to build a makeshift bridge. Unfortunately, every year, torrential rains wash it away," laments Kamzo Dansokho, spokesperson for the residents.

According to him, nearly 15 million CFA francs were invested from personal funds to erect this precarious structure, notably linking Faranding to Ilimalo and allowing Daworala to remain connected to the rest of the world. A significant financial sacrifice which, however, does not provide a lasting solution to the problem.

“Today, people have come out to express their discontent and make an urgent appeal to the authorities. This bridge is vital for us. During the rainy season, travel becomes a real ordeal,” he insists.

Beyond the daily hardships, the situation has already had tragic consequences. The spokesperson specifically mentioned the death of a pregnant woman during a medical evacuation that was impossible due to the village's isolation. Last year, an eleven-year-old girl also died in similar circumstances while being transported to the Saraya health district.

These tragedies only strengthen the people's resolve to make their voices heard. Through this march, they are calling on local and national authorities to take urgent action, including the construction of a durable bridge, to end the isolation that is hindering Daworala's development and endangering the lives of its inhabitants. For the protesters, this is no longer a simple demand, but a humanitarian emergency.