Ziguinchor: Yankhoba Diémé sets the record straight on the rumors and prepares for the arrival of the Head of State!

On an official tour of Casamance, the Minister of the Armed Forces, Yankhoba Diémé, dedicated his first day to a series of formal audiences with the kings, religious leaders, and traditional authorities of the region. Carrying a message from the President of the Republic, the government official emphasized the continuation of the Diomaye Plan projects, while reaffirming the State's sovereign role in guaranteeing individual freedoms, security, and social harmony.

This visit took on a highly symbolic significance. The minister was received in turn by the King of Oussouye and his court, the King of Kalabone, the King of Mlomp, as well as the guardians of the sacred grove and the village chiefs. Yankhoba Diémé reassured all his guests that the infrastructure projects undertaken as part of the Diomaye Plan are continuing despite the slowdowns caused by the rainy season. The Ziguinchor–Kassak and Oussouye–Boulomb roads, as well as the future Ziguinchor bridge, are among the key projects designed to permanently open up the South.

Speaking about upcoming projects — including the Bignona–Diouloulou road, the Fogny loop and new health infrastructure — the minister explained the meaning of his approach: “I am clearing the way for the next visit of the President of the Republic to Casamance”.

Security , freedoms and republican responsibility

Beyond the economic emergencies, Yankhoba Diémé reiterated that preserving peace remains the absolute imperative. "Everyone is free to do what they must do, everyone can go wherever they want. As Minister of the Armed Forces, it is our duty to ensure the safety of all citizens and to allow everyone to go about their business freely in the name of freedom of opinion and freedom of movement," he stated.

Denouncing the disinformation and manipulation campaigns disseminated on social media, he reiterated the meaning of republican action: "The force given to us is not to be exercised over the population, but to organize the State and guarantee the freedom of each individual. The freedom of each citizen ends where that of another begins."

Addressing the political class, the Minister of the Armed Forces was keen to lay out the terms of accountability: "When you govern, you are responsible for everything, in every way. And when you oppose, you are not responsible for anything, in any way."

Concluding his first day in serenity, the minister said he was convinced of the peaceful mobilization of the people: "I only know Casamance, I only have Casamance, and I will do everything for Casamance because it is my part of contributing to Senegal."