Émile Badiane Bridge in Ziguinchor: a crossing full of dangers

Inaugurated in February 1979, the Émile Badiane bridge is much more than a simple work of art. Every day, thousands of travelers, traders and large aircraft use it above the calm waters of the Casamance River. But behind this strategic importance lies an alarming reality: the aging infrastructure is marked by deadly accidents and repeated alerts.

More than 600 meters long, the structure overlooks the river like a giant at the end of its strength. The guardrails bear the marks of time, the covering is worn by decades of heavy traffic and users often cross with silent apprehension. Built in the mid-1970s and inaugurated in February 1979 under the leadership of President Léopold Sédar Senghor, the Émile Badiane bridge has survived the political regimes, crises and economic changes of Casamance.

For almost half a century, it ensured territorial continuity between Ziguinchor and the rest of the country, facilitating trade with Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and the interior of Senegal. However, over time, the weight of the years is felt. The structure, subject to the passage of light and heavy vehicles, is now causing more and more concern. While awaiting the construction of the second Ziguinchor bridge – the laying of the first stone of which, initially announced for July 31, 2026, has been postponed – the current infrastructure continues to support intense traffic, well beyond what was envisaged during its design.

The Émile Badiane bridge is not only a symbol of connection; it has also become the scene of recurring tragedies. On May 26, 2026, a trip to Dakar turned into tragedy. A minibus carrying three people left the roadway before plunging into the waters of the Casamance River. The toll is heavy: one victim died, another survivor and the third missing. This tragedy is unfortunately not the first. In August 2019, three people had already lost their lives in similar circumstances after their vehicle fell into the river. Two years later, on the night of August 6 to 7, 2021, another accident added to the long list of tragedies.

Dramas that repeat themselves

A large truck, bound for the Gambia, left the roadway before sinking into the waters of the river. The two trucks involved, all from Guinea-Bissau, had left the Sonacos factory in Ziguinchor to reach the port of Banjul to load goods. But, one of them will never reach its destination. Its driver, a Guinea-Bissau national, lost control of the vehicle around two or three in the morning.

The truck sank into the dark waters of the river. Despite weeks of searching, the driver was never found. His apprentice escaped with several injuries. These tragedies have had a profound impact on people’s minds. Above all, they reinforced the feeling of urgency around the future of this strategic infrastructure.

For several years, civil society actors have been raising alerts. Associations, citizens and even artists have mobilized to attract the attention of public authorities. This is particularly the case of the Casamance rapper Fafadi who used his music to denounce the major risks linked to the degradation of the bridge. At the head of the Collective for the reconstruction of the Émile Badiane bridge, Aliou Djiba has been leading this fight since 2019. For him, the situation requires rapid action. “The current state of the bridge must alert the authorities before an even more serious tragedy occurs. We are facing a work that represents a real danger,” he warned in an interview with journalists.

The announcement of the construction of a new bridge, however, nourishes cautious hope among the defenders of this cause. “For several years, we have been pleading for this reconstruction. Today, we see that concrete steps are being taken and this reassures us. Setting a date for the launch of the work constitutes an encouraging signal,” underlines Mr. Djiba.

The president of the Collective nevertheless insists on an essential point: the quality of future work. “The new structure must respect all technical standards in order to guarantee its solidity and durability for several generations,” he recommends. National coordinator of the “Citizen Vision” movement, Madia Diop Sané believes that a new bridge must be built to relieve Émile Badiane, who is approaching half a century of existence.

Alert and concerns of Ziguinchor residents

“The Émile Badiane bridge is today the scene of repeated accidents which confirm the absolute urgency of building a new structure planned between Ziguinchor and Tobor. An essential link in the north-south axis and sub-regional infrastructure, this infrastructure is in a state of critical degradation. Faced with this alarming situation, the immediate launch of construction work is no longer an option, but a vital necessity,” laments Mr. Sané, recalling that people are missing in the waters of the Casamance River.

Remaining on this same dynamic, he indicates that the Émile Badiane bridge is in danger of ruin and could collapse overnight. “Action from the public authorities is expected as soon as possible. Faced with the risks, the authorities must not wait for a tragedy to occur to express condolences, as was the case during the tragedy of the boat “Le Joola”.

A large march will soon be organized in Ziguinchor to remind people that the construction of this new infrastructure is an absolute emergency,” says the national coordinator of the “Citizen Vision” movement. In the meantime, the old Émile Badiane bridge continues its mission, faithful, but exhausted. Day after day, it continues to carry thousands of travelers and convoys of goods over the Casamance River.

The alerts are multiplying, the memories of the tragedies remain vivid. However, the traffic never stops. In Ziguinchor, many now look at this work with a mixture of recognition and concern. Like an indispensable monument which, after 47 years of service, seems to have reached its limits.