Last Wednesday, Senegal’s president, Macky Sall, asked his administration to “rapidly proceed to the free processing of temporary deeds into permanent land deeds by simplifying processes and making related transactions safer”. A move that aims to significantly boost land tenure in the country.

“Most of the people living around Dakar, namely in Médina, grand-Dakar, Grand-Yoff Pikine and in almost all of Senegal’s main towns have no land deed. The government believes the new amendments will see that changed, particularly in the Dakar region and in all areas where there are regular constructions,” reads the statement issued following the council of ministers for the matter.

Besides the free-aspect of the measure which should cover more than 900,000 temporary deeds, the government plans to simplify processes by proceeding to a reform of land rule. “The State plans to amend the 87-11 act of February 24, 1987, which allows the sale of public domains reserved for habitation in urban areas and establish an application decree,” says the statement.

Souha Touré