The meeting on the development of the port of Ziguinchor, following the installation of the new department head, lived up to expectations. Waly Diouf Bodian reassured stakeholders on issues related to management, employment, and, above all, the port's nautical capacity, a key pillar of this process. In this context, the Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar (PAD) endorsed Cosama's request for dredging of the river.

Dredging the Casamance River is essential for the development of port activities, according to Baba Tall, Director General of Cosama, who issued a strong appeal for this. He believes the river must be dredged before the start of the cashew season. "All we are asking is for the work to be expedited so that the river is dredged before the season begins," he insisted, emphasizing that the port is a vital tool for the regional and national economy.

Assurances from the Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar

Waly Diouf Bodian provided reassuring details regarding nautical capacity, employment, and management. He acknowledged the significant technical challenge: "There is the challenge of nautical capacity because today, the national shipping company itself cannot bring a certain number of vessels to Ziguinchor. This is a shared responsibility between ANAM and the port of Dakar. We will do everything necessary to address this issue," he stated.

The CEO of the PAD also stressed the importance of rigorous and transparent management in order to strengthen the confidence of economic actors and ensure sustainable operation of the infrastructure.

Employment and social prospects

The issue of employment was central to the discussions, as the port is a major source of direct and indirect income for local youth. Waly Diouf Bodian emphasized that supporting Cosama's request would strengthen human and technical resources, thereby facilitating the creation of new jobs.

He also mentioned the implementation of tailored training programs to prepare young people for port and maritime professions. "We must work hand in hand to ensure that the port of Ziguinchor becomes a true driver of regional growth," he stated.

The actors were reassured.

The president of the Ziguinchor regional cashew sector consultation framework, Demba Diémé, welcomed this development. For him, the involvement of the Port Authority of Dakar (PAD) finally clarifies responsibilities. He reiterated that all stakeholders now agree on one essential point: "The port of Ziguinchor is the port of Casamance, serving the people of Ziguinchor, Sédhiou, and Kolda."