Émile Badiane Bridge faces safety concerns amid fatal accidents

The Émile Badiane Bridge, a 600-meter structure spanning the Casamance River near Ziguinchor, is facing increasing safety concerns due to aging infrastructure and heavy traffic. Inaugurated in 1979, the bridge serves as a vital link for commerce and travel between southern Senegal and neighboring countries like The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

Recent years have seen a series of fatal accidents. On May 26, 2026, a minibus plunged into the river, resulting in one death and a missing person. This follows previous tragedies, including a 2019 incident that killed three people and a 2021 accident involving a heavy truck from Guinea-Bissau.

Local citizen groups, such as ‘L'Heure est Grave’, have reported visible signs of deterioration, including pronounced cracks, crumbling concrete, and exposed metal reinforcements. Drivers have also noted abnormal vibrations when heavy vehicles cross. While the Senegalese government previously announced a 25 billion CFA franc investment for a second bridge to alleviate congestion and improve safety, the project has faced delays. A groundbreaking ceremony originally scheduled for July 31, 2026, was postponed by AGEROUTE, with no new date currently established.