Cinq jours d’immersion présidentielle au coeur du Sénégal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye en prise directe avec les terroirs
For five days, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye immersed himself in the terroirs of Sine-Saloum and Niombato, prioritizing discretion, authenticity, proximity to communities, the promotion of local know-how, and the preservation of ecosystems. Between walking alongside the lions of Fathala Park and meeting the "queens of water" and reforestation of the mangrove, the Head of State, through this journey, wanted to highlight the importance of traditional agriculture, local tourism, and the preservation of ecosystems. A journey that combines strong symbols and concrete actions in favor of sustainable development rooted in the territories.
Deep in the heart of Senegal, the Head of State chose to devote five days to immersion, not to distance himself from the country's affairs, but to get closer to its essence: its lands, its waters, its people. Five days of encounters and listening, amidst the local landscapes, in dialogue with the lifeblood and in direct contact with a generous, sometimes threatened, nature. He wanted a discreet, almost intimate trip, in order to favor the simplicity of the encounters, the spontaneity of the exchanges, and the authenticity of the places visited. Far from any formality, each stage was designed to leave room for the authenticity and depth of the shared moments. Rather than crossing borders, he chose to anchor this moment of respite in his own country. A choice that illustrates a strong conviction: Senegal's wealth lies in its territories, in its know-how, and in this local tourism that it wishes to see grow - a tourism that speaks as much to the Senegalese as to visitors from around the world, and which figures prominently in the national transformation agenda "Vision Senegal 2050".
Fathala: in the kingdom of the lions
The first stop took the President to the Fathala Nature Reserve, between Toubacouta and the Gambian border. There, amidst a carefully preserved savannah, he walked alongside lions. The image is powerful: a head of state in direct contact with wildlife, attentive to the animals' vitality and admiring the rigorous care they receive. This reserve is a testament not only to conservation expertise, but also to the passion of those who work there for the diversity of the fauna and flora.
A return to the land
A little further on, in a millet field, the President paused. A simple, almost instinctive gesture that resonated like a return to his farming roots. For him, agriculture is not just a pillar of the national economy: it is a living memory, an art of the long term, an invisible link between generations. This moment of contact with the land has symbolic value, reminding us that the country's sustainable development is rooted in its agricultural cultures and traditions.
Along the bolongs: the meeting of the “queens of water”
The journey continued on the calm, winding waters of the Sine-Saloum River. The President reached Sipo Island, visited the Bamboung Marine Protected Area, before stopping at the Némaba oyster farming center. There, the local women, nicknamed "queens of the water," cultivate oysters with expertise passed down and adapted over the generations. Listening to their stories, assessing their courage, and discovering their economic and environmental potential are all moments that highlight the richness of this Senegal that combines tradition and innovation.
Toubacouta: dialogue with the driving forces
In Toubacouta, the Head of State was welcomed by the mayor, the village chief, the imam, the women's representative, and the president of the local development association. The discussions were direct and frank, in a spirit of mutual listening. The grievances expressed, the projects discussed, and the challenges identified reflect the energy of a region that aspires to better leverage its assets. This moment of dialogue illustrates the presidential desire to maintain a vibrant connection with communities, far from abstract discourse.
Planting for the future
The trip concluded with a concrete and hopeful gesture: the reforestation of the mangrove, a vital ecosystem for biodiversity and coastal protection. Alongside the manager of a local hotel, the President planted young saplings, symbolizing a vision that goes beyond the short term. The ensuing meeting addressed the realities of the region's tourism sector: its fragilities, but also the immense, still untapped potential of Niombato and Sine-Saloum.
A clear message
Over the course of five days, the Head of State blended contemplation and action, immersion and reflection. This discreet yet intense journey was a declaration in action: Senegal's development is not something that can be thought of solely from an office; it is experienced in contact with its territories, its inhabitants, and its nature. It is there, in dialogue with communities and in the development of its local resources, that a sustainable, sovereign, just, and prosperous future is taking shape.
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