Nestled between the bustling capital of Dakar and the sacred city of Touba, Thiès (often spelled Thies or Ties in older texts) is a city that embodies the soul of Senegal. While it may not grab international headlines like Dakar or Saint-Louis, Thiès has played a pivotal role in shaping Senegal’s history, culture, and even its contemporary political landscape.
Thiès owes much of its early development to the French colonial administration. In the late 19th century, the Dakar-Niger Railway transformed the city into a critical transportation hub. The railroad wasn’t just about moving goods—it became a lifeline connecting Senegal’s interior to the Atlantic coast.
But the railway also brought exploitation. Forced labor, known as prestation, was rampant under colonial rule. Many Senegalese workers endured brutal conditions to lay tracks that would later become symbols of both oppression and national unity.
One of Thiès’ most fascinating historical landmarks is the Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs (MSAD), a tapestry factory established in 1966. Under the vision of Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, the factory became a center for African artistic expression.
The tapestries produced here weren’t just decorative—they were political. Many depicted scenes of African liberation, blending traditional Wolof motifs with modernist influences. In a way, Thiès became a canvas for post-colonial identity.
Like much of the Sahel, Thiès faces severe environmental challenges. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have pushed farmers toward urban centers. The Niayes region, once a fertile belt supplying Dakar with vegetables, is now under threat from soil degradation.
Local activists have turned to reforestation projects, planting acacia trees to combat desertification. But the question remains: Can Thiès balance agricultural sustainability with rapid urbanization?
Thiès has long been a transit point for migrants heading to Europe. The infamous Barça ou Barzakh (“Barcelona or Death”) mentality reflects the desperation of young Senegalese seeking opportunities abroad.
Yet, some are choosing to stay. Initiatives like AgriHub, a tech-driven farming collective, are empowering young entrepreneurs to modernize agriculture. Could Thiès become a model for reversing the brain drain?
Senegal’s recent political turmoil has put Thiès in the spotlight. The city was a stronghold for Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party, which challenged the establishment in the 2024 elections. Protests erupted here when Sonko was barred from running, revealing deep frustrations with governance.
What makes Thiès a political hotbed? Some say it’s the city’s history of labor movements. Others point to its educated youth, who are increasingly vocal about corruption and unemployment.
While Touba is the heart of the Mouride Brotherhood, Thiès has its own spiritual significance. Local marabouts (religious leaders) wield considerable influence, often mediating between politicians and the people.
In a time of political instability, the Serigne of Thiès has emerged as a stabilizing force, calling for peace during election tensions. This interplay of religion and politics is uniquely Senegalese—and Thiès sits at its crossroads.
From coding bootcamps to e-commerce startups, Thiès is quietly becoming a tech hub. The Cyber neighborhood, named after its internet cafes, is now home to co-working spaces where young developers build apps for farmers and traders.
But can technology preserve Thiès’ cultural heritage? Projects like Thiès Numérique aim to digitize oral histories, ensuring that the stories of griots (traditional storytellers) aren’t lost to time.
Most tourists flock to Senegal’s beaches, but Thiès offers something different. The Railway Museum tells the story of the Dakar-Niger line, while the Bandia Reserve attracts wildlife enthusiasts.
Could eco-tourism save Thiès’ economy? Locals are betting on it, with community-run lodges and cultural festivals gaining traction.
Thiès may not be Senegal’s most famous city, but its story is one of resilience, creativity, and quiet revolution. From colonial railroads to digital startups, from political upheaval to environmental battles, this city encapsulates the struggles and hopes of modern Africa.
As the world grapples with climate change, migration, and democratic backsliding, places like Thiès remind us that the answers often lie in the unlikeliest of places.