“We firmly but respectfully denounce the alarming situation in our neighborhood. The ASC Thiès Azur field, a vital space that embodies our history, our memories, and our bonds of friendship, an essential place for our sporting and social activities, is at risk of being confiscated by the Soprim company.” This cry of distress comes from the residents of the Thiès Azur Route de Dakar 2 neighborhood in the Thiès-Ouest district.

This field, they reminded everyone during a press conference, “is not simply an empty space. It is a place for living, sharing, education, sports, and culture. It is the heart of our activities, the soul of ASC Thiès Azur, and a pillar for many young people, children, students, and families in the neighborhood.” But, they lamented, “for several days now, work has begun on the site, without any prior consultation, without official notification, and without respect for the community that has lived and worked there for years.”

In response, Assane Thiam, coordinator of the "oppressed" population collective, was keen to make his position clear: "We are not here to create tension, but to defend our rights. An entire neighborhood lives and works around this space: young people, students, mothers, sports coaches, and volunteers." He believes that "any decision concerning this land must absolutely be made through open and transparent dialogue."

Therefore, the residents are requesting "an immediate official clarification on the nature and objectives of the project undertaken on the land, a halt to the work, time to bring all the parties concerned around the table, official recognition of the social, sporting and community role played by ASC Thiès Azur since its creation, the opening of a transparent dialogue," and the preservation or return of our land.

Assane Thiam and his teammates are calling on local authorities to "take responsibility," community leaders to "join the people in this just fight," and the residents of Thiès to "remain mobilized and vigilant." They also remind everyone that "this field is not just a playing area for our team. It is also used by students, primary schools, and the CEM Route de Dakar 2 school for their physical activities."

According to him, losing it would deprive our children of a space for learning, health, and personal development. "It would be sacrificing the future of our young generations for private interests, to the detriment of the common good," he stated.