Land reforms resume after prime minister’s departure in Senegal

The long-awaited resolution to Senegal’s stalled land reforms has finally been set in motion, following the recent change in Prime Minister leadership. In an official statement released this week, the Government Secretariat provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the Land Audit Follow-up Committee, which oversees the implementation of recommendations from audits conducted on land allocations in key regions.

The announcement marks the end of a prolonged freeze on major land development projects, unlocking long-suspended initiatives in Dakar, Thiès, and Saint-Louis. Among the projects now cleared for resumption are strategic land parcels such as BOA, Hangar des Pèlerins, Recasement 2, EGBOS, EOGEN and EOGEN-extension, and Mbour IV in Thiès.

sites and zones released from suspension

The administrative relief extends to critical urban planning documents, including Detailed Urban Plans (PUD) for areas like Guédiawaye, Yeumbeul-Malika-Tivaouane Peulh, and the New City of Thiès. Additionally, urban hubs in Déni Biram Ndao-Diaksao-Bambilor and Daga Kholpa-Yenne, as well as the northern site of Ndiebène Gandiole on parcel number 136/SL, have been unfrozen.

new directives aim to expedite land titling

With the resumption of activities, the government has outlined a clear timeline for the second half of 2026. A priority action involves accelerating the lifting of administrative holds on land titles, benefiting legitimate property owners who meet all legal requirements. The Prime Minister has directed the Committee to finalize all necessary administrative procedures in collaboration with relevant agencies without delay.

To ensure transparency and fairness, the reforms explicitly exclude cases of illegal land accumulation. The authorities have also warned against any unauthorized land reclamations or construction activities, emphasizing that strict penalties will apply to violators.

what landowners need to do next

All affected individuals and communities are urged to promptly submit their requests for title releases or regularizations. Applications can be filed through the Committee Secretariat, accessible at the Directorate General of Urban Planning in Diamniadio or the DGSCOS office along the VDN. This streamlined process aims to expedite the resolution of pending land issues and restore economic confidence in the sector.

The government’s decisive move signals a renewed commitment to restoring order in Senegal’s land administration, offering a lifeline to honest landholders while reinforcing legal boundaries against irregular practices.