Corniche-Ouest : « Un maire qui refuse de collaborer avec l’État devient un danger public », tacle le DG de l’AGETIP
The tug-of-war over the development of Dakar's western corniche has taken a new turn. While the City of Dakar and AGETIP clash over the use of certain areas intended, in particular, to house sports facilities donated by China, AGETIP's Director General, Momar Ndiaye, is raising his voice and calling for respect for the State's authority.
For the head of AGETIP, the dispute is not simply a matter of administrative coordination, but primarily a legal issue. He points out that the public maritime domain (DPM) falls under the jurisdiction of the State. "Legally, it's the State. Technically, it's AGETIP as the delegated project owner," he maintains.
According to him, the City of Dakar cannot unilaterally intervene on these lands. "The City can make proposals, give an opinion. But it cannot decide unilaterally, and even less install equipment without authorization," asserts Momar Ndiaye.
The Director General of AGETIP relies in particular on Law No. 76-66 of July 2, 1976, concerning state property. He believes that the Corniche-Ouest, as part of the public maritime domain, falls outside the jurisdiction of local authorities.
“Choosing confrontation instead of dialogue”
In response to the controversy, Momar Ndiaye maintains that a meeting bringing together the various stakeholders has already been organized to find a solution to the dispute. He asserts that AGETIP has proposed alternative sites to accommodate the Chinese government's donation, without calling into question the project known as "The Dragon."
For him, installing equipment on an unplanned site would amount to prioritizing confrontation over consultation. "Choosing to install on an unplanned site is choosing confrontation instead of dialogue," he declares.
The official believes that this confrontation could have consequences on several issues, including the implementation of planned infrastructure on the Corniche and preparations for the Dakar-2026 Youth Olympic Games. "A mayor who refuses to collaborate with the State on a project of national interest becomes a public danger," says Momar Ndiaye, who believes that such a blockage could jeopardize investments announced to the tune of 18.4 billion CFA francs.
"To characterize AGETIP's intervention as banditry is unacceptable."
The Director General of AGETIP also responded to comments characterizing his agency's intervention as "banditry." He deemed this characterization "unacceptable" and considered it a "serious institutional failing." Momar Ndiaye maintains that AGETIP is acting within the framework of a mission entrusted to it by the State and a project declared to be of public utility. In his view, equating this intervention with "banditry" amounts to calling into question the authority of the State and its instruments of execution.
While firmly defending AGETIP's position, he nevertheless calls for calm. He advocates for the establishment of a permanent consultation mechanism involving the State, AGETIP, and local authorities, under the aegis of the Ministry of Urban Planning.
Preserving the Chinese gift and the public interest
In this standoff, Momar Ndiaye insists that the objective should not be to win a political battle, but to preserve the public interest. He believes a compromise is still possible: maintaining the sports facilities donated by China, allowing the AGETIP project to continue, and guaranteeing that the waterfront promenade remains a public space accessible to all.
"Only love of the Republic and respect for our institutions should guide us," he insists, calling on the various protagonists to move beyond "politicized politics."
With a deadline set for September 30th and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games on the horizon, the Director General of AGETIP believes that the urgency of the situation now demands responsibility, dialogue, and respect for the legal framework. For him, the issue goes beyond a simple dispute between institutions: it is about preserving public investments and delivering a rehabilitated, safe, and enhanced Corniche Ouest to the people of Dakar.
Commentaires (21)
Un maire collabore avec tous !!! ... sans distinction !
... bon maintenant, il y a toujours le degré de nuisance proportionnel à l'incompétence !
Vivement notre Maire préféré Monsieur Barthélémy Dias !!! ... ✌️💪☝️
Il maîtrise bien son sujet, il peut le faire, croyez en lui
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