Senegal’s historic city of Saint Louis under threat from rising seas
The historic coastal city of Saint Louis, Senegal, once known for its colonial relics and vibrant fishing communities, is now facing an existential threat from rising sea levels.
In recent years, severe tidal waves have swallowed homes, displaced families, and left many residents living in fear of the encroaching sea.
“Before, we didn't sleep at night because you had the impression that the waves were going to come at any moment,” said Oka, a local teacher. “But these days we sleep a bit more peacefully. Now we're expecting much more structured and sustainable solutions to be taken to eradicate this phenomenon once and for all,” he told Viory.
In response to the worsening situation, both local and national authorities have stepped in with emergency interventions, including the construction of breakwater-style dykes designed to blunt the sea’s advance. These protective structures have helped stabilize the shoreline and bring temporary relief to affected residents.
“I think there's reason to be optimistic since the authorities installed the breakwaters and also with the rehousing of some of those affected,” Oka added. “Now we're living in peace, we have the impression that the sea is either receding or continuing to stay put.”
Among the displaced is fisherman Moussa Fall, who was relocated as part of a government resettlement program. “I personally thank the people who had the idea of moving us and bringing us here. They even deployed cars for our move. We didn't give any of our own money for this,” he said.
Fall recalled the harrowing conditions before relocation when they lost their homes and equipment as a result of the rising sea level. “We used to live by the sea, but at some point the situation got out of hand,” he said, adding that, “We used to take sandbags or tyres and put them around the walls or doors to stop the water. We lost a lot of equipment and spent whole nights without sleep just to absorb the water.”
While grateful for the housing solution, Fall says other challenges remain in the resettled area. “Our biggest problem is the installation of a police station or gendarmerie. Banditry is rife here. A checkpoint is essential,” he said.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
