The celebration of the Senegalese Armed Forces Day took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Camp Dial Diop in Dakar, under the presidency of the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This 2024 edition marks a first for President Faye since his election as head of state.
The theme chosen for this year, "Towards Technological and Industrial Sovereignty of the Armed Forces," reflects the government's ambitions to modernize the Senegalese army. This thematic choice underscores Senegal's desire to develop its autonomy in defense matters. It is an ambitious goal aimed at equipping the Senegalese Armed Forces with their own technological and industrial means, thus reducing dependence on foreign equipment.
The day's program included a military parade, a wreath-laying at the Memorial of Remembrance, and the graduation ceremonies of the Military Health School (EMS) and the National School of Active Officers (ENOA). The President of the Republic took the opportunity to outline his vision and policy for the Armed Forces.
In his speech, President Faye paid eloquent tribute to the diambars and praised the republican stance of the Armed Forces, which have always honored the nation by embodying the diversity of Senegal and playing a central role in building national cohesion. The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces thanked them for their contribution to affirming and preserving our sovereignty, which is more than just a slogan: it is the vital breath of any nation aspiring to establish its autonomy and freedom.
The Head of State announced the creation of the President of the Republic's Special Prize, which will be awarded during the 2025 edition of Armed Forces Day. This prize will reward the best technological and industrial innovation with military and paramilitary applications.
He also emphasized that after the installation of the next National Assembly, a bill on national defense and security will be examined to define the major orientations of our defensive architecture adapted to the current context.
With this 2025-2029 programming law, our country will have a program to initiate projects beyond the annual budget framework, thus facilitating Senegal's adaptation to new national and international defense challenges.