Senegal celebrated the 66th anniversary of its independence. The official ceremony took place this Saturday in Thiès, on Avenue Caen, under the theme: “The Defense and Security Forces, partners of the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026.”
The event was held in the presence of the President of the Republic of Gabon, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, guest of honor, as well as several national and international dignitaries.
The military and civilian parade was notably marked by the remarkable participation of a detachment from the Gabonese Armed Forces. The city of Thiès, a historic center of Cayor and a symbol of dignity and fierce resistance to colonization, hosted this parade for the first time as part of the policy of decentralization and territorial equity initiated by the President of the Republic.
In his speech, the Head of State warmly thanked his guest of honor, the President of the Gabonese Republic, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, whom he described as a “brother.” He highlighted the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between Senegal and Gabon, as well as the deep ties that unite the two peoples. “You are at home here,” he told the Gabonese leader.
President Faye then recalled that the national holiday remains a special moment of national unity, introspection, and collective commitment to building a sovereign, respected, and prosperous Senegal. He praised the strong cohesion between military, paramilitary, and civilian actors, illustrating the vitality of the “Army-Nation” concept upheld by the Defense and Security Forces (FDS).
Addressing the FDS directly, he emphasized that their mission goes beyond the mere defense of the territory: they actively contribute to the implementation of the State’s major projects, notably the organization of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. The Head of State expressed his satisfaction with their full mobilization and the security arrangements put in place, assuring that Senegal will be ready to welcome the Olympic family and all visitors in the pure tradition of Senegalese teranga.
This decentralized edition will remain etched as a moment of national pride and a reinforcement of the country’s unity.
Find below the full text of the message delivered by His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, following the parade on April 4, 2026, in Thiès:
Your Excellency, dear brother, Brice Clotaire Oligui NGUEMA, President of the Gabonese Republic,
Ladies, First Ladies,
Mr. President of the National Assembly,
Mr. Prime Minister,
Mr. Minister of the Armed Forces,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ministers,
Administrative, territorial, religious and traditional authorities,
Mr. Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces,
Mr. High Commander of the National Gendarmerie, Director of Military Justice,
Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the diplomatic corps,
General Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, enlisted personnel,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear compatriots,
We have just celebrated with great pride the 66th anniversary of our country’s independence.
The ceremony was truly remarkable and rich, highlighted by the notable participation of a Gabonese detachment!
We witnessed an impeccable parade here in Thiès, the historic city of Cayor, a symbol of dignity and resistance to subjugation. Indeed, Cayor was one of the great strongholds of resistance against colonial domination and a leading force in the movements for independence.
It is therefore deeply symbolic for me to begin, in Thiès, the era of decentralized parades that I have initiated as part of a policy of national inclusion and territorial equity.
I would like to warmly thank our guest, the President of the Gabonese Republic, my brother Oligui NGUEMA, who kindly honored us with his presence at this ceremony.
Mr. President, we are particularly delighted by your participation in this celebration as guest of honor.
Your selection reflects the exceptional quality of the cordial friendship and cooperative relations between Senegal and Gabon.
I am also aware of your personal attachment to Senegal, a country you know well. You are at home here!
Please know that this same bond of mutual attachment unites the brotherly peoples of Senegal and Gabon.
Be assured, dear friend, of my constant commitment to working alongside you to strengthen these privileged ties.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The celebration of our national holiday is a moment of national unity, introspection, and renewed collective commitment to building, in cohesion, a sovereign, respected, and prosperous Senegal.
Today, once again, we have witnessed a strong communion between military, paramilitary, and civilian actors in the context of this decentralized parade.
This demonstrates the vitality of the “Army-Nation” concept upheld by our Defense and Security Forces.
Dear members of the Defense and Security Forces, you are fully aware that serving the nation goes beyond the mere defense of our territory. It also means contributing to the implementation of major state projects and the organization of key national events.
Through this year’s theme, “The Defense and Security Forces, partners of the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026,” you are upholding a tradition that is deeply valued by your predecessors and by the entire nation.
I commend your mobilization in preparation for these Games.
It is total and reassuring, with comprehensive security arrangements in place across all designated sites, ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of this historic event on African soil in Senegal.
We will be ready to welcome the Olympic family, the global sports community, and all visitors on this occasion.
They will be received with hospitality and humanity, in keeping with the pure tradition of Senegalese teranga.
Mr. Minister of the Armed Forces,
Through you, I express my full satisfaction to all the Defense and Security Forces for the excellent organization of this parade.
I extend my warm congratulations to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the High Commander of the National Gendarmerie, as well as all commanders of the Defense and Security Forces, including the Commander of Military Zone No. 7 of Thiès.
I also associate these congratulations with all members of the Defense and Security Forces, as well as the civilian participants and veterans.
Long live the Republic!
Long live Senegal!
Long live a united Africa!
Thank you for your attention.