Within CREDESPO, Adama Traore explored the management of water resources of the Senegal River and its legal issues.
Adama Traore, researcher at CREDESPO (Université Bourgogne Europe).
Thesis defended in 2026 at the doctoral school École doctorale Droit, Gestion, Economie et Politique.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The management of water resources is a major issue for the countries bordering the Senegal River, which extends across several West African states, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, and Guinea. This river, which is a vital source of water for millions of people, is also crucial for agriculture, fishing, and other economic activities. However, despite the efforts made by the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), the results are far from meeting expectations. Conflicts of interest persist among the various stakeholders, and the protection of the aquatic ecosystem is deemed insufficient. Why does this situation persist? What are the true motivations behind the actions of the OMVS?
The analysis of the OMVS agreements and the domestic law of the member states reveals gaps in the implementation of coordinated management. For example, the agreements signed between the states are not always respected, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are often lacking. Field surveys and interviews with local actors show that the riparian communities do not feel heard or involved in the decisions that concern them. This lack of communication and understanding between water managers and local populations hinders any progress towards sustainable management. Indeed, decisions made at higher levels do not take into account the realities experienced by the inhabitants of the riverbanks.
It is essential to rethink how water resources are managed. Local knowledge and customary practices must be integrated into management policies. Riparian communities possess valuable knowledge of their environment and its needs. For example, local fishermen know the breeding periods of fish and the spawning areas, information that could be crucial for the sustainable management of fishery resources. Ignoring this expertise risks perpetuating conflicts and harming the aquatic ecosystem. An approach that values traditional knowledge could also strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of climate change, which threatens to disrupt hydrological regimes.
Adama Traore's thesis highlights the importance of a participatory and inclusive approach. Authorities must go beyond speeches and promises. They must establish concrete mechanisms that allow populations to express themselves and actively participate in the management of water resources. This could include the creation of local water management committees, where representatives of riparian communities would have a seat at the decision-making table. The protection of the aquatic ecosystem can only be effective if it is based on real collaboration among all stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, businesses, and local communities.
In summary, the management of water resources of the Senegal River requires a profound overhaul. The economic and environmental stakes are too significant to be left in the hands of an elite disconnected from local realities. A true coordinated management of water resources is not only desirable but essential to ensure a sustainable future for riparian populations and the river's ecosystem. This also involves increased awareness among populations about water and environmental issues, in order to promote behavioral change and collective awareness.
Finally, it is crucial that the riparian states collaborate more with each other, as the Senegal River is a common good that transcends borders. The establishment of effective regional governance, which includes all concerned stakeholders, could allow for better management of water resources and prevent conflicts. By integrating the voices of local communities and valuing their knowledge, the OMVS could become a true catalyst for change, capable of transforming water resource management in West Africa.
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Sources and Access
Adama Traore. L'Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du fleuve Sénégal (OMVS) : régime juridique et protection des ressources en eau du fleuve Sénégal. Droit. Université Bourgogne Europe, 2026. Français. ⟨NNT : 2026UBEUF001⟩. ⟨tel-05698075⟩