As the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar approach, Senegal's Minister of Interior and Public Security, Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé, conducted an inspection of security and rescue devices on October 27, 2026. The minister, accompanied by the coordinator of the Council and members of his cabinet, visited the headquarters of the National Gendarmerie, the National Brigade of Firefighters (BNSP), the central command post of the National Police, and the Abdoulaye-Wade stadium in Diamniadio.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the high interconnectivity of command posts and the perfect coordination of forces, reaffirming his confidence in the security coverage of delegations and the public. A massive deployment of over 10,000 agents and cutting-edge technologies has been planned to ensure security in the three main competition areas: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, as well as at the Olympic Village, hotels, and transportation axes.
The National Gendarmerie will mobilize 5,000 gendarmes, 569 vehicles and motorcycles, 10 surveillance drones, 6 anti-drone systems, 2 ultralight aircraft, and 126 cavalry horses. Specifically, 1,250 gendarmes will be positioned at the Abdoulaye-Wade stadium, which will host the opening ceremony. The National Police will deploy 5,027 agents across the country, working in close synergy with the Organizing Committee of the YOG (COJOJ) through a dedicated operational convention.
The Senegalese Armed Forces will reinforce the overall security setup, while the BNSP will handle rescue and firefighting operations in coordination with civilian medical teams. The integrated security organization also benefits from the support of international experts and partners in addressing specialized threats.
According to Minister Cissé, emergency and prevention plans have been in place for several months, ensuring continuous vigilance at competition sites, tourist areas, and accommodations. He emphasized that while no security system can guarantee zero risk, the authorities are determined to make these first Olympic Games on African soil an exemplary and perfectly secure international sporting event.
The security setup has been designed to anticipate and respond to potential threats, with a focus on prudence and rigor. The minister's inspection and assessment of the security arrangements aim to ensure a safe and successful event.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar are set to take place with a robust security presence, providing a safe environment for athletes, officials, and spectators. With over 10,000 security personnel deployed, the event is expected to be one of the most secure Olympic Games in recent history.
Key points
- Over 10,000 security personnel will be deployed for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
- The security setup includes cutting-edge technologies, such as drones and anti-drone systems.
- The event aims to be an exemplary and perfectly secure international sporting event, with a focus on prudence and rigor.
