Construction projects and initiatives for Casamance: Announcements from Al Aminou Lô

During the ceremony commemorating the 24th anniversary of the sinking of the Joola this Saturday, the Prime Minister of Senegal, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, reaffirmed the government's commitment to making the development of Casamance a national priority.

He announced that an inter-ministerial council would be held in Ziguinchor in November and confirmed the start of major infrastructure projects, including the Émile Badiane bridge.

In a speech marked by gravity and determination, Al Aminou Lô recalled that Casamance, "the breadbasket of Senegal", must benefit from tangible and sustainable development.

"The Diomaye Plan for Casamance must become more realistic and more concrete," he insisted, promising that the next inter-ministerial council dedicated to its evaluation would be held in Ziguinchor as early as November.

The Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of major infrastructure projects, particularly the Émile Badiane bridge, for which the tendering procedures are already finalized. "We are committed to starting it as soon as the first budgetary flexibility is freed up, perhaps before the end of the year," he assured, specifying that the necessary funding is included in the initial 2027 budget law.

He also mentioned the construction of a second bridge, confirming that infrastructure for opening up isolated areas features prominently in the Senegal 2050 agenda.

Beyond the projects, Al Aminou Lô was keen to link memory and responsibility. "We will make memory a vigilance, pain a lesson and remembrance a responsibility," he declared, stressing that the Joola tragedy must remain a lifelong commitment for future generations.

Referring to his past experience as national director of the BCEAO, he recalled the efforts made to enhance the agricultural potential of the region and offer the population a "better life".

In a solemn tone, he concluded: "The best children in the world, I tell you in French, we cannot let our guard down. By decree of the President of the Republic, before the end of the year, we will enshrine this memory in a permanent state of vigilance."

Thus, between paying tribute to the deceased and promising development, the Prime Minister wanted to give Casamance reasons to hope, by placing its future in a dynamic of repair and progress.