Senegal law combats sky-high rents, but enforcement could be tricky

DAKAR, Senegal – Residents of Senegal's capital are praising a new law that mandates across-the-board rent reductions after decades of increases.

The law, enacted last month, comes four years after the National Assembly first launched an investigation into skyrocketing rents and two years after President Macky Sall successfully ran on a campaign to lower living costs.

But analysts say enforcement will be tricky and could determine whether the measure becomes a model for regional governments.

The law is scaled so that low-income renters receive reductions of 14 percent, while those paying more than 500,000 West African francs (around $1,000) receive reductions of 4 percent.

Landlords who fail to comply face up to six months in prison and fines of up to $3,100, but some have openly said they will defy the law.