Developing a national emergency telecommunications plan for Senegal: this is the project launched by the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP). On Tuesday, its Director General, Dahirou Thiam, officially launched the plan's development, with the support of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

“Our country, like many others, remains exposed to multiple risks, as also recalled in the PNTU concept note which was sent to you: floods, extreme weather events, health crises or even industrial accidents. In such situations, telecommunications constitute a vital link,” said Dahirou Thiam.

During the opening of the planning sessions, he emphasized that without secure and reliable networks, there can be no effective alert system, no optimal coordination of emergency services, and certainly no rapid dissemination of information to the public. "This reality fully underpins Senegal's commitment to developing a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan, compliant with the guidelines of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and adapted to our national context," explained the Director General of ARTP.

Thus, the plan will aim to ensure that essential communications remain operational, regardless of the circumstances. It will support risk prevention, preparedness for interventions, management of relief operations, and post-disaster recovery.

An expert was made available by the ITU to develop a plan in line with international best practices. Mr. Thiam reaffirmed ARTP's commitment to fully play its role as a responsible regulator, serving national security, Senegal's resilience, and the ambitions of Vision Senegal 2050.