Country Senegal | Region Kedougou Region | |
Kedougou is a town in southeastern Senegal at 12.56 degrees N. latitude and 12.21 degrees W, longitude and at an elevation of 547 feet (167 meters) above sea level. Founded in the early 20th century by the Malinke people, Kedougou means the "Land of Man". The town lies on the N7 road and the River Gambia amid the Pays Bassari hills and Fouta Djallon foothills. It is near the borders of both Mali and Guinea. Local attractions include the Dindefelo Falls and Niokolo-Koba National Park. The main sources of income in the town are agriculture, small-scale commerce, construction, and gold mining. There is a military camp, a hospital, a community radio station and library, a Peace Corps Office and a number of small businesses. The most commonly spoken languages are Pulaar, Bassari, Bedik, Diaxanke, Malinke and French.
Contents
- Map of Kedougou
- La jeunesse de kedougou en revolte contre lexploitation des ressources naturelles emeutes de 2008
- Transport
- Mining
- References
Map of Kedougou
The mayor of Kedougou is Amath Dansokho (as of 2005).
La jeunesse de kedougou en revolte contre lexploitation des ressources naturelles emeutes de 2008
Transport
A proposed railway branching off the existing line at Tambacounda would serve this town.
Mining
The Gold mining industry has brought several large scale foreign mining companies to the Kedougou area. This has been a source of tension with some local residents who point to a lack of jobs available to locals. In late 2008, protests over the practices of Gold mines in the region turned violent. On 23 December a protest march culminated in the burning of government buildings and the security forces firing on demonstrators. The next several days saw widespread destruction of property, looting, and according to a Senegalese Human Rights group, the mass arrest and torture of suspects. There were also reports that many residents fled the town, some as far as Guinea. Security forces reported one dead, 23 civilians and 10 gendarmes wounded.