Saint-Louis celebrated Armed Forces Day on Monday, November 10, 2025. The official ceremony, presided over by Governor Al Hassane Sall, was held in the presence of Colonel Alioune Samassa, commander of Military Zone No. 2, and Colonel Mody, commander of the Northern Gendarmerie Legion.

The event was marked by a vibrant tribute paid to the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), praised for their professionalism, sense of duty and essential role in protecting citizens and the integrity of the territory.

A heartfelt tribute to the men and women in uniform

Representing the Head of State, Governor Al Hassane Sall stressed the national recognition towards the military, gendarmes and other security agents who work daily "with discipline, commitment and selflessness".

"The nation owes them respect and consideration. It must clearly express its gratitude for the excellent work they do day and night, answering the call of duty," he said.

The governor also recalled the republican and professional character of the Senegalese army, heir to a long tradition of discipline and loyalty to the Nation.

A theme geared towards the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

This year, Armed Forces Day was celebrated under the theme: "Defense and security forces, partners of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games".

This choice highlights the strategic role that the security forces will play in securing and organizing this global event, which Senegal will host for the first time.

Al Hassane Sall praised the "collective commitment" of the security forces, but also that of the population, to meet this double challenge: that of the material organization and that of the security of the competitions, the athletes, the spectators and the strategic sites.

"I have no doubt about the ability of our defense and security forces to guarantee a secure environment, including at our borders where the soldiers of the economy are watching over us," he assured.

Saint-Louis already mobilized for Dakar 2026

The governor highlighted the enthusiastic support of the people of Saint-Louis for the Dakar 2026 project. This support was symbolized by the work of Ndeye Mariama Diop, a student at the Academy of Saint-Louis, who designed the official mascot for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

A source of local pride which, according to him, leaves an indelible mark on the history of the event: "We will never talk about the Youth Olympic Games without mentioning the mascot, and therefore without thinking about the contribution of Saint-Louis."

The ceremony thus concluded in an atmosphere of shared pride, reflecting the commitment of the authorities, the security forces and the people to make the 2026 Youth Olympic Games a resounding success in terms of sport and security for Senegal.