Dakar, Senegal:
In suspension

Historic, nostalgic, intellectual, political, overwhelmed, explosive, expensive, overpopulated (more than 4 million people) ... Dakar, wedged into its Cape Verde peninsula, is a city of many identities, searching for essential breathing space. Here lies Senegal's beating heart, relentlessly expanding. Here, culture, counterculture, activism and history collide. Gorée Island, a living reminder of the slave trade, gives the city a unique commemorative character. The site of the tragic Thiaroye camp massacre is not far away. The massive African Renaissance Monument points the way forward and signals ambition. But geographical constraints, uncontrolled urbanisation and hellish traffic are hampering development. The idea would be to move away from this congested city centre and head towards the new town of Diamniadio, or even the ‘old’ town of Thiès. The major works of the Macky Sall era have been costly, but they also embody a desire to transform the city. The regional express train (TER), the BRT, the new Blaise-Diagne airport and the port of Ndayane are all aimed at increasing competitiveness and strengthening the city's position as a hub. Work on the motorway to Saint-Louis has been confirmed. And in 2026, the Youth Olympic Games will be held here (the first Olympic event in Africa). The city is both on the move and on standby. This is the continent's new political epicentre. The political changeover in March 2024 saw a new generation of men and women take power, bringing with them the promises, hopes, hesitations and tensions that accompany this ‘revolution’.