Senegal protests erupt over luxury green city project at Lac Rose

Residents near Dakar are voicing fierce opposition to the launch of a high-end green city project at Lac Rose. The cornerstone laying ceremony signals the imminent start of construction for luxury studios and villas, despite local resistance.

Ibrahima Mbaye, president of the Collective to Protect Lac Rose, has intensified efforts to halt the government-backed initiative. The project threatens the fragile ecosystem that shields the area from ocean encroachment and sustains 6,000 livelihoods. Salt harvesters, restaurateurs, and tourism operators all depend on the lake’s preservation.

«The term ‘green city’ is a misleading phrase to suggest smart, eco-friendly development. Locals know this site cannot support such a concept. The sand dunes and coastal protection belt prevent erosion and rising sea levels. Tourists come for the natural beauty, not towering concrete structures that would destroy Lac Rose’s character,» Mbaye explains.

The project’s developer, Egyptian firm Casa Orascom, insists construction will proceed while adhering to environmental commitments made with Senegalese authorities. They claim the initiative will generate 20,000 direct and indirect jobs during the building phase.