MATAM: New demonstration in Ogo against the privatization of rural water

Tensions escalated this Thursday morning in Ogo. Demonstrators from several localities in the Matam region, wearing red scarves and armbands, took to the streets to voice their frustration with the proposed transfer of rural borehole management. This latest mobilization, however, reflects the same demand: to retain control over water.

Under the banner of the Federation of Borehole Users Associations, known as ASUFOR, the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the intervention of OFOR and SDER in the management of rural water supply.

They argue that the long-established community model has proven its effectiveness in terms of equity and facilitating access for all. After the march, a delegation presented a memorandum to the Sub-Prefect of the Ogo district.

This document calls for the immediate suspension of the water transfer process and requests the opening of an inclusive dialogue with the Senegalese government. The protesters state in the memorandum that they reject a commercial approach to water management that could exclude the most vulnerable.

They believe this approach is incompatible with the purchasing power of rural populations and jeopardizes access to water for the most vulnerable. Committed to a Vision 2.0 of Water Sovereignty, borehole users and managers in the Matam region express their deep concern and resolute opposition to the privatization of rural water management. According to them, for decades, Borehole User Associations and Unions have ensured community-based, solidarity-based, and participatory management of water infrastructure.

In collaboration with the State, they declare, "this model has proven its effectiveness, guaranteeing access to water for all, and any introduction of new structures risks disrupting this balance and threatening social cohesion."