Senegal places the inclusion and leadership of people with disabilities at the heart of its national priorities with the organization of Disability Awareness Week, this year focused on the theme "Amplifying the Leadership of People with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." The event highlights the progress made but also the persistent challenges faced by the 7.3% of citizens living with a disability, according to official data.

Organized annually, the 12th ^edition will take place from December 3rd to 10th, 2025, throughout Senegal. It aims to assess progress made in inclusion, identify persistent obstacles, and reaffirm equal rights. On this same occasion, a conference chaired by the Director General of the Ministry of Family, Social Action, and Solidarity was held this Friday, November 28th, 2025, at the Maison de la Presse in Dakar to present an introductory report for this 12th ^edition .

The president of the Senegalese Federation of Associations of Disabled Persons (FSAPH), Moussa Thiaré, took the opportunity to reiterate the movement's expectations.

“We must go beyond intentions. The implementation of the Social Orientation Law, the establishment of the Support Fund and effective measures against unemployment among young people with disabilities are essential. Access to information also remains an urgent matter, particularly with the use of sign language interpreters,” he said.

Moussa Thiaré of FSAPH emphasized the need for targeted responses to the real needs of people with disabilities, particularly regarding funding. According to him, precarious living conditions remain widespread. He stated, "A large majority of people with disabilities are forced to make ends meet or engage in very low-paying informal activities."

He reiterates that the creation of the Disability Support Fund is an absolute priority. According to him, "this fund will make economic inclusion a reality by facilitating access to financing and support."

The president also drew attention to the urgent need to act for the professional integration of young people with disabilities, mentioning the application of Article 29 of the Social Orientation Law, which provides for a recruitment obligation of 15% in certain schemes:

“We need to put in place concrete and specific measures to reduce unemployment among young people with disabilities. Other countries, such as Ivory Coast, recruit hundreds of people with disabilities into the civil service every year. Senegal can draw inspiration from this,” he emphasized.

For his part, Mamadou Lamine Faty, representing the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, reaffirmed the State's commitment. "The repositioning of the Directorate of Social Action and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening access to services, social protection and civic participation for people with disabilities," he stated.