Casamance, stronghold of opponent Ousmane Sonko, is impatient to challenge the Dakar regime at the polls. In the sandy streets of Ziguinchor, residents are holding their breath.
The imposing black gate, which passengers and goods passed through before boarding for Dakar, has been closed for eight months. Behind the gates, one of the economic lungs of the Casamance region is at a standstill. For Thierno Diallo, who exports fruit to the capital, times are tough. But for the young Senegalese, there is no question of being discouraged.