Transport stakeholders from the Kolda, Sédhiou, and Ziguinchor regions have taken the initiative to organize the Casamance Natural Region Transport Conference. This initiative aims to formalize and modernize this sector, which is vital to the local economy, with the support requested from the State.

Three pillars to meet the sector's challenges

Debated during these two-day meetings, three essential points were put forward to address the major challenges of transport in Casamance: the general problem of transport; security, including the digitalization of the sector; workers' rights and access to mutual health insurance for drivers and transporters.

"We wanted to hold these meetings for two days, which is why we called on stakeholders, users and all resource people to gather opinions and advice that we will record in a memorandum to be submitted to the appropriate authorities," insisted the president of the Ziguinchor bus station, Papis Touré.

Papis Touré emphasized the need for modernization and security: "Modernization first implies security. Transport is essential to the country's development. And security means tightening the screws, protecting the sector, and focusing on training."

The stakeholders particularly highlighted the lack of formalization of the profession: "Anyone can get up one day and do transportation, and that's something to avoid," said Mr. Touré. He cited the need to train drivers so they know their rights and to make the sector safer.

Modernization absolutely requires digitalization. "Instead of sitting back until this computerization of the sector is imposed on us, we want to take the lead, reach out to those who must help us and guide us towards digitalization," said Papis Touré, referring to the upcoming computerization of bus stations.

Carriers also raised the urgency of improving health coverage for all players in the sector, hence the importance of mutual health insurance to facilitate care.

The president of the Kolda bus station, Bouly Diédhiou, called for support from the authorities to create a framework for consultation leading to modern transport. He emphasized the economic role of transport operators: "We are development actors. We are here creating jobs. It is imperative to support, supervise, monitor, and evaluate this sector, which is there to boost the Senegalese economy."

Transporters are urging the Senegalese government to support them in ensuring their sector meets standards.