(Ecofin Agency) - According to local press, President Macky Sall has cancelled the awarding of 10,000 ha of agricultural lands to the Moroccan group Afri Partners which is headed by Anas Sefrioui (picture). The lands which are located in Dodel and Némette, in the Fouta region, were to be used to grow rice.

“The news was announced by the deputy minister in charge of the Budget, Birima Mangara, during the vote of the ministry of investment’s budget at the National Assembly,” news website Afrique Midi said.

The announcement must truly rejoice the populations of the region, as they vehemently opposed the deal, to the extent of going to the country’s Supreme Court recently.