With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games just months away, the National Police are seeking to reassure the public. Presenting a review of their activities and future plans, Commissioner El Hadji Baïdy Sène affirmed that the security forces are already engaged in preparations for this major international event, a first for Africa.

According to him, the institution is already conducting numerous awareness sessions across Senegal to better engage with citizens on current security challenges. However, he stated, "the main priority remains securing the Youth Olympic Games." Commissioner Sène added, "This event represents a major security challenge, in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions and heightened vigilance surrounding major sporting events." "The operational plans have already been approved. Now we just need to practice," he indicated, adding that the police are ready to ensure the security of Dakar 2026.

Four priorities to secure the Games

To meet this challenge, the National Police have identified four strategic priorities. The first, notes Commissioner Sène, "concerns urban mobility. Security forces are working on organizing travel before, during, and after the Games." This will include securing official routes, setting up pedestrian zones, and reserving certain lanes for delegations.

The second focus, he adds, “concerns managing the flow of migrants. The event is expected to attract thousands of foreign visitors, including athletes, officials, and spectators. The police are therefore planning enhanced security measures to manage entry into the country.” He continues, stating that “the third priority is prevention and intelligence. Faced with security threats deemed dynamic, the police are intensifying their collection of operational information to anticipate any risks that could disrupt the event.”

Finally, maintaining public order is a central aspect. "The authorities are counting on a rapid response capacity to maintain order and suppress any criminal offense," explains the commissioner.

A police force undergoing profound transformation

Beyond the Games, the National Police is continuing the implementation of its 2025-2029 master plan, which aims to modernize the institution. "Three strategic directions have been defined: improving the legal framework and strengthening human resources, developing operational capacities and infrastructure, as well as improving working conditions and the quality of service provided to citizens," he said.

And to conclude: "These reforms should make it possible to build a more efficient, better-equipped police force, closer to the public, capable of responding effectively to new security challenges."