The long-awaited resumption of land sector reforms in Senegal has finally begun, following the conclusion of a total freeze on key urban development projects. An official statement from the General Secretariat of the Government, released earlier this month, outlined the restart of activities by the Committee for Monitoring and Implementing Recommendations from Dakar, Thiès, and Saint-Louis’s land audit reports.
The announcement marks the end of a prolonged administrative standstill that had left several major land allocation and urban planning initiatives in limbo. Among the suspended projects are high-profile residential subdivisions and urban development zones, including:
- BOA, Hangar des Pèlerins, Recasement 2, EGBOS, EOGEN and EOGEN-extension, and Mbour IV (Thiès);
- Detailed Urban Planning (PUD) zones such as Guédiawaye, Yeumbeul-Malika-Tivaouane Peulh, and the New City of Thiès;
- Urban hubs in Déni Biram Ndao-Diaksao-Bambilor, Daga Kholpa, and Yenne;
- The northern zone’s Ndiebène Gandiole site (domanial land title no. 136/SL).
Streamlined processes and strict eligibility criteria
The government has set a clear agenda for the second half of 2026, prioritizing the swift resolution of land title issues for legitimate owners. The latest directives, issued after the Council of Ministers meeting on July 1st, emphasize fast-tracking administrative clearances and completing required documentation in collaboration with relevant agencies. Only applicants with valid, unencumbered land titles will qualify for property handovers—cases involving illegal multiple land grabs remain excluded.
The administration has also issued a stern warning against unauthorized land reclamations. Any attempt to occupy or develop land without prior approval will result in penalties, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing legal compliance.
Next steps for affected landowners
Individuals and community groups seeking to regularize their land status are urged to submit their clearance or registration requests promptly. Assistance is available through the Committee Secretariat, accessible via the DGSCOS office on the VDN or the General Directorate of Urban Planning in Diamniadio.
