In Senegal, on April 26, 2024, the president ordered the suspension of construction projects along the oceanfront in Dakar, as well as in the “Bande des filaos,” a vast forest area in the suburbs of Guédiawaye. The halt to these projects has long been demanded by environmental advocates.
In a move aimed at protecting sensitive coastal ecosystems and addressing significant land pressure, the President of the Republic instructed the Directorate for Surveillance and Control of Land Use (DSCOS) to halt all private construction projects along the Dakar coastline and within the Bande des filaos forest area. These projects include hotels, clinics, and private residences, located in the maritime public domain and within a classified forest for the Bande des filaos.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye issued the directive on April 26, instructing the DSCOS to halt all private construction projects, both along the Dakar coastline and within the “Bande des filaos” forest area in the Guédiawaye suburb. These actions are taken pending the completion of land audits to ensure compliance with regulatory approvals.
“While this is a temporary suspension,” explained a spokesperson from the presidency, “it signals our commitment to robust regulatory oversight.” However, no decisions regarding demolition have been made at this stage.
As early as 2020, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko had pledged to dismantle all constructions along the coastline. However, the current directive focuses on suspension rather than demolition.
Environmental advocates have long called for a halt to construction projects in this sensitive area. Moctar Ba, from the Platform for Environment and Coastal Reclamation, highlighted concerns about erosion, climate impacts, and public health. He emphasized how these constructions obstruct vital coastal winds that help mitigate pollution and cool the city. Therefore, he welcomed this announcement.
This move underscores Senegal’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing pressing ecological challenges while balancing developmental needs.