The Senegalese government has made a significant decision by suspending the granting of gold mining licences in the area covering the Faleme, the main tributary of the Senegal River, which supplies the country with water.
By Abdourahmane Diallo
This measure, which will remain in force until 30 June 2027, was made official by a decree signed by the Senegalese president. It aims is to protect this essential resource, in response to growing concerns about pollution and gold mining.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko welcomed the decision at an inter-ministerial council meeting on drinking water supply held on Tuesday. He stressed the importance of this initiative, describing it as a “first step” to protect the country’s water resources, while insisting on the need for strict monitoring.
“This is an initial measure that is being strictly applied and monitored by the armed forces,” the head of government said.
However, he stressed the complexity of the situation, pointing out that the issue goes beyond Senegal’s borders.
“It’s an extremely difficult issue because it’s not just a Senegalese matter. We share the river on both sides with our neighbour,” he added.
Ousmane Sonko also mentioned the discussions underway with the Malian authorities, because of the cross-border impact of gold panning.
“During our recent trip to Mali, we raised this issue with the Malian authorities because gold panning is also practised on the other side of the border, using the same products, notably mercury,” he indicated.
The Falémé, which plays a crucial role in supplying Lac de Guiers, the source of water for Dakar, is particularly vulnerable to pollution.
The prime minister warned of the consequences of such pollution, pointing out that the effects would be particularly damaging for people in the capital.
“If it is polluted, the consequences are what they are. And I can assure you that the impact will be much more damaging for the people of Dakar than for the people living in the immediate vicinity of the Falémé,” Ousmane Sonko explained, insisting on the national security dimension of this issue and the efforts being made to find a lasting solution, in cooperation with Mali.
“This is a question of national security. We are trying to manage it on our side, and the Minister of the Armed Forces regularly discusses it with his Malian counterpart so that we can find a definitive solution,” the head of government concluded.
ARD/Sf/ac/fss/as/APA