In July 2025, the sub-prefect of the Niaguis district in the Ziguinchor department issued an order suspending land use in five localities, including Bindialoum Baïnouk, located in the commune of Boutoupa-Camaracounda. However, according to residents of Agnack-Petit (commune of Adéane), originally from Bindialoum Baïnouk, this order is not being respected by everyone.

These residents claim that the land they abandoned during the Casamance conflict, before returning to farm it, continues to be used by other occupants, despite the suspension order. They denounce an inequity in the management of these lands, historically occupied by the Baïnouk, the first inhabitants of this village, now integrated into the commune of Boutoupa-Camaracounda following Act III of decentralization.

A claim rooted in history

Bacary Diédhiou, a notable from Agnack-Petit and former municipal councilor for twenty years, explains: "It was the crisis that forced us to leave. Now that the situation has calmed down, we must return to our fields to work." He adds that the inhabitants of Agnack-Petit were present in Bindialoum Baïnouk long before the creation of the rural community, even before independence. According to him, the problem lies in the feeling of monopoly exercised by certain populations of Boutoupa-Camaracounda over these lands.

A peaceful return troubled by tensions

Famara Kombo, representing the village chief of Agnack-Petit, explains that since 2016, an agreement had been reached to distribute the plots, allowing for conflict-free exploitation. "Until this year, everything was going well. But now, we are being accused, summoned to the police station, and two of our people have been arrested," he laments. Summoned himself along with other young people, he affirms that the inhabitants of Agnack-Petit have respected the sub-prefect's order, but that others continue to exploit the land. Faced with this situation, they intend to assert their rights to obtain justice and fairness.

Outrage at injustice

Lansana Manga, a young resident of Agnack-Petit, speaks in Wolof to demand the release of those arrested. He claims that these lands, inherited from their ancestors and abandoned due to the conflict, are being illegally allocated to foreigners, including non-Senegalese. In 2017, a committee collected documents to secure the occupation and exploitation of these lands, with the aim of combating irregular emigration and providing opportunities for young people. But no follow-up has been given to this initiative.

Lansana Manga insists: "We complied with the sub-prefect's order. But we see other people exploiting these lands. We provided evidence to the gendarmerie, as recommended, but no action was taken. On the contrary, it is our fathers and comrades who are being arrested and summoned."

The residents of Agnack-Petit are demanding strict compliance with the sub-prefect's order by all parties and the immediate release of their comrades. They are also calling for the implementation of the conclusions of the two meetings held with the administrative authority and the mayor of Boutoupa-Camaracounda to ensure equitable management of the Bindialoum Baïnouk lands.