Arona Keïta, a long-term resident of the Fith Mith neighborhood in Guédiawaye, was evicted from his home following a court-ordered operation involving bailiffs and law enforcement. The eviction, which took place after a decades-long land dispute, has sparked significant unrest among local residents who view the loss of the property—occupied by Keïta since 1982—as a symbol of growing land insecurity in the region.
The Origins of the Land Dispute
The conflict traces back to a 1981 property transaction. Arona Keïta acquired the plot from Tidiane Diakhaté for 300,000 francs CFA, a sale reportedly validated by a local authority and supported by a permit to occupy issued in June of that year. Keïta subsequently built a home on the site, where he lived for over 45 years while becoming an active member of the community.
The situation shifted when the heirs of Tidiane Diakhaté contested the validity of the 1981 sale. They argued that the original seller lacked the sole authority to dispose of land that was part of a family succession. This legal challenge eventually reached the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Pikine-Guédiawaye.
Court Rulings and Execution
On August 8, 2024, the court ruled in favor of the heirs, ordering the eviction of Arona Keïta and two other occupants. Although the residents filed a motion for a stay of execution, arguing that their parcels were not those covered by the ruling, the judge of the summary proceedings rejected these claims in October 2025. The decision was declared enforceable, leading to the arrival of law enforcement and a bailiff to clear the premises.
Arona Keïta held a permit to occupy for his plot, which was issued by a local authority in June 1981, the same year he purchased the land for 300,000 francs CFA.
Implications for the Neighborhood
The removal of Keïta has caused palpable tension in the Golf Sud sector. While the eviction proceeded without major violence, local residents expressed frustration, with many citing the suddenness of the action as “brutal.” Khalifa Mbaye, the local delegate, noted that he had to intervene to urge the youth in the area to remain calm during the operation.
What Happens Next?
The property currently sits empty, with the mayor of Golf Sud having visited the site to offer social support to the displaced families. As the legal avenues for the occupants appear exhausted following the October 2025 ruling, the future of the land will likely be determined by the heirs of the Diakhaté family. Meanwhile, residents of Fith Mith have expressed concerns that this eviction may serve as a precedent for future land disputes, potentially placing other long-standing households at risk of similar legal actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Arona Keïta evicted after living in his home for over 40 years?
The court ruled that the 1981 sale of the land was invalid because the seller, Tidiane Diakhaté, did not have the sole authority to sell property that belonged to a family succession.
Did the residents attempt to stop the eviction?
Yes, the occupants engaged in a legal process including a motion for a stay of execution, claiming they occupied different parcels than those targeted by the court. These arguments were rejected by the judge of the summary proceedings in October 2025.
What support is being provided to those evicted?
The mayor of Golf Sud visited the site following the eviction and announced that the municipality would provide social assistance to the families who have been left without a home.
Could the resolution of this case influence how similar land ownership disputes are handled in the future across the region?
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