The Collective of Victims of Tivaouane Peulh Demolitions has raised concerns over the status of 1,796 families awaiting a land solution after the hearing of former Director of Domains, Abdou Gningue, before a parliamentary inquiry commission. In a statement released on October 12, the collective demanded that the state fulfill its commitments to the families. They disputed certain statements made by the former Domain official and emphasized the legal status of the 20-hectare land, citing title deed TF 6435/R, which belongs to the state.
According to the collective, the lease granted to SIPRES only allows for usage rights without transferring ownership. The group pointed out that the site was previously demarcated by cadastral services, and a protocol was signed by the sub-prefect. They also mentioned the urban planning permit no. 005316, issued on March 28, 2022, which was later canceled by the Supreme Court in its ruling no. 39/2023. The collective argued that SIPRES' opposition should not hinder the government's efforts to find a resolution to the issue.
The victims' group recalled that the 20-hectare site's demarcation and subsequent events have led to a prolonged wait for the 1,796 families affected by the demolitions. They echoed the call of Deputy Alla Kane, urging authorities to assume responsibility for the situation. The collective requested that the head of state and the government intervene to finalize the extraction of the 20 hectares and issue occupation titles to the beneficiaries.
The collective emphasized that it remains willing to collaborate with institutions to achieve a durable, fair, and lawful solution. Babacar Ngom, representative of the collective, stressed the need for state intervention to address the land dispute. The group highlighted the consequences of inaction, with families waiting for several years for their situation to be regularized.
The dispute centers on the interpretation of the lease granted to SIPRES and the state's ownership of the land. The collective insisted that the state's title deed supersedes any claims by SIPRES. They called on the government to take necessary measures to enable the relocation of affected families.
The situation has been ongoing for several years, with the collective pushing for a resolution. They cited the Supreme Court's ruling, which annulled the withdrawal of the urban planning permit. The collective argued that this ruling should pave the way for a solution that respects the rights of all parties involved.
The collective's demands come as the state faces pressure to address the land dispute and provide a solution for the affected families. The government's response to the collective's appeals remains to be seen. The situation highlights the complexities of land ownership and usage in Senegal, where competing claims and interests often lead to disputes.
Key points
- The Collective of Victims of Tivaouane Peulh Demolitions demands state action to resolve the 20-hectare land dispute.
- The dispute involves 1,796 families awaiting a land solution.
- The collective cites the state's title deed TF 6435/R as evidence of ownership.
