Anger remains high among those affected by the Dakar-Saint-Louis highway project. Gathering this morning in Djougop, members of the Collective of Affected, led by former international basketball player Vieux Ndoye, demonstrated vigorously to denounce the demolition of their homes, which they consider unjust and inhumane.

In a tense atmosphere, marked by burning tires and protest slogans, demonstrators expressed their frustration with a situation that has persisted for several years. They demanded leniency from Ageroute (the road agency) and called for urgent intervention from state authorities to put an end to what they described as a serious social injustice.

Speaking on behalf of those affected, Amath Sarr gave a poignant account of the distress of the people concerned. "For four years we have been fighting for our rights. We have made numerous appeals, but they have all been in vain," he declared. According to him, despite the many steps taken, no concrete solution has yet been found for the victims of the demolitions.

The protesters are directly appealing to the highest authorities in the country, including the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, and the Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, as well as the local authorities of Saint-Louis, including MPs Fama Bachir Ba and Yacine Samb.

“We are suffering and we demand that this problem be resolved permanently,” insists Amath Sarr.

Among those affected are a diverse group: former military personnel, teachers, retirees, widows, and heads of households. Many, according to the collective, had taken out bank loans to purchase their land and are continuing to repay them despite the destruction of their properties. "There are 1,297 people affected, including 992 with vacant lots. So far, no one has received any compensation," laments the spokesperson.

The group points the finger at Ageroute, accusing it of carrying out massive road demolitions without prior compensation for those with rights of way. "It's bordering on disrespectful and completely lacking in humanity," criticizes Amath Sarr, who denounces promises and alternatives deemed insufficient by the affected communities.

Faced with this situation, those affected are demanding full payment of their entitlements and calling for a complete overhaul of the handling of the case. They warn that if the authorities do not respond quickly, their mobilization could intensify in the coming days.