During a field visit to Military Zone No. 4 on April 14 and 15, 2026, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA) presented a solid operational assessment. Between the dismantling of illegal sites and the strengthening of border security, Vice Admiral Wade is preparing the units in Tambacounda and Kédougou for a logistical ramp-up.

Senegal's eastern flank is under heightened surveillance more than ever. In a regional context marked by complex security dynamics, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, visited the heart of Military Zone No. 4 to assess the defense and security arrangements.

100 gold mining sites dismantled

Upon his arrival at the Tambacounda command post, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA) received a detailed report on the operations conducted by Colonel Simon Sarr and his men. The figures demonstrate intense activity on the ground: since January 2025, daily patrols have led to the dismantling of "nearly one hundred illegal gold mining sites" and the arrest of "250 individuals."

Admiral Wade was keen to commend these "important operational results," highlighting the effectiveness of the units in border surveillance and the fight against organized crime, two scourges that threaten the economic and social stability of this strategic area.

One of the highlights of this visit was the trip to the military post of Sounkounkou, located northeast of Kédougou, on the edge of the Malian border. There, the Chief of the General Staff was able to see firsthand the commitment and high level of vigilance of the troops.

He particularly praised the "good collaboration between the military and local populations," an essential link for effective intelligence gathering and stability in the region. The head of the armed forces also encouraged the continuation of joint cross-border activities, advocating for increased "synergy of action" between military and paramilitary forces and neighboring countries.

Beyond the operational assessment, this tour served as a basis for a technical evaluation of needs. The Chief of the General Staff visited several projects aimed at transforming the units' posture. The objective is clear: to strengthen the "autonomy, mobility, and effectiveness" of soldiers in the field.

After touring Casamance and Fouladou last week, this visit to the East confirms the command's desire to consolidate the national security framework on all sensitive fronts in the country.