Land disputes in Senegal reach turning point with resumption of processing

An official government announcement released this week has put an end to a prolonged freeze on land allocation processes in key urban zones of Senegal. The Secretary-General of the Government issued a detailed statement updating the public on the progress of the Committee overseeing the implementation of recommendations from recent land audit reports, particularly concerning subdivisions in Dakar, Thiès, and Saint-Louis.

The move signifies the conclusion of a blanket freeze that had halted all related administrative procedures. This decision paves the way for the resumption of land regularization processes, beginning with the lifting of restrictions on several high-priority sites.

sites previously frozen now open for processing

Among the suspended projects now cleared for review are major subdivisions and urban planning initiatives, including:

• Strategic subdivisions such as BOA, Hangar des Pèlerins, Recasement 2, EGBOS, EOGEN and EOGEN-extension, and Mbour IV in Thiès;
• Detailed Urban Planning documents (Plans d’Urbanisme de Détail, PUD) for areas including Guédiawaye, Yeumbeul-Malika-Tivaouane Peulh, and the New City of Thiès;
• Urban development poles in Déni Biram Ndao-Diaksao-Bambilor and Daga Kholpa-Yenne;
• The northern zone site Ndiebène Gandiole, situated on state-owned land (title deed no. 136/SL).

government accelerates land regularization efforts

Following a directive from the Council of Ministers on July 1st, the administration is now prioritizing the resolution of land disputes to restore legal certainty and economic stability for rightful owners. The government’s strategy focuses on two core objectives: expediting administrative resolutions and ensuring transparency in land allocation.

The statement emphasizes that only individuals with valid, unencumbered titles are eligible for processing. Those holding irregular or multiple parcels are explicitly excluded to prevent further disputes.

To further prevent unauthorized actions, authorities have issued a stern warning against any attempts to occupy or develop land without prior approval. Violations will result in penalties under applicable laws.

next steps for landowners and stakeholders

Individuals and groups affected by the freeze are encouraged to submit their applications for clearance or regularization as soon as possible. Requests can be filed through the Committee’s Secretariat, accessible via the DGSCOS office along the VDN or the General Directorate of Urban Planning in Diamniadio.

The government’s proactive stance signals a decisive step toward resolving long-standing land issues while fostering confidence in Senegal’s real estate sector.