Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: 15,000 security personnel, 6,000 volunteers… Ibrahima Wade reveals the organization's figures

Invited to the RTS program "Point de vue," Ibrahima Wade, coordinator of the Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ), provided an update on preparations for Dakar 2026, just days before the launch scheduled for October 31. From human mobilization and security to welcoming delegations and the opening ceremony, he detailed the resources deployed to make this event a historic success for Senegal and Africa.

With six days to go before the start of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), preparations are entering their final stretch. Speaking to Omar Ndiaye on the RTS program "Point de vue," Ibrahima Wade emphasized the historic significance of this fourth edition, which will make Senegal the first African country to host an Olympic event.

“This is a historic moment we are living through. It’s a turning point,” declared the coordinator of the Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ), convinced that this edition will leave a lasting mark on the history of the Olympic movement. For him, the stakes go beyond the realm of sport: it’s about enabling Africa to move from the status of a continent participating in the Games to that of host of an Olympic event.

More than 15,000 defense and security forces personnel mobilized

Ensuring the security of the event is one of the organization's priorities. Ibrahima Wade explained that the Senegalese government has been preparing for several years to welcome delegations, officials, and visitors in the best possible conditions.

Beyond security measures, several provisions also concern traffic, mobility, and the layout of public spaces. The COJOJ coordinator acknowledged the existence of constraints and inconveniences related to the organization, while emphasizing the need to facilitate access to competition venues and maintain good reception conditions.

He also praised the gradual mobilization of the population, particularly through initiatives aimed at making public spaces cleaner and more welcoming.

2,700 athletes expected and 206 national Olympic committees involved

On the sporting front, Dakar 2026 is expected to host approximately 2,700 athletes from the 206 National Olympic Committees. Some 1,800 technical officials are also expected.

According to Ibrahima Wade, the arrival of the delegations is taking place gradually, with a system put in place at the Blaise-Diagne international airport in Diass to ensure the smooth running of operations.

The athletes are expected at the Olympic village set up at Amadou-Mahtar-Mbow University, while other participants will be accommodated in various hotel establishments.

The coordinator indicated that the first delegations on site had expressed their satisfaction with the reception conditions. He nevertheless assured that the monitoring system would remain in place until all participants had arrived.

In total, the organization expects nearly 29,000 accredited people, including 12,000 to 13,000 from abroad.

A large-scale human mobilization

To achieve this organizational challenge, the COJOJ (Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Youth Games) is relying on a significant mobilization of human resources. Ibrahima Wade detailed the main personnel involved in the preparation and execution of the Games.

The organizing committee comprises approximately 800 people, in addition to nearly 200 consultants mobilized for specific tasks. More than 300 staff members from partner public organizations also participate in the initiative.

In addition to these staff numbers, there are 10,500 people mobilized by service providers responsible for delivering various services, particularly in the areas of transport, catering and logistics.

The deployment also includes nearly 15,000 members of the defense and security forces.

"It is this entire constellation of actors that will deliver the Games," stressed the coordinator, emphasizing the collective nature of this organization.

6,000 volunteers to welcome the delegations and the public

Volunteers play a central role in the organization. Numbering 6,000, they constitute, according to Ibrahima Wade, the face and the smile of the Games.

Recruited following a call for applications, they underwent various selection and training stages before being deployed to the sites. Some came from abroad, while others are Senegalese nationals.

The coordinator notably praised the contribution of the General Directorate of National Civic Service, the National Olympic Academy of Senegal and the National Organization for the Coordination of Holiday Activities (ONCAV), which provided 500 volunteers.

This participation of ONCAV takes place in a context marked by the suspension of navétanes activities in certain areas concerned by the organization of the Games.

The opening ceremony: 650 dancers mobilized

Scheduled for October 31st at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium, the opening ceremony has been in preparation for several months. A dedicated team is working with the support of the International Olympic Committee to implement a concept that highlights Senegalese and African identity.

Ibrahima Wade indicated that the technical setup was almost complete or nearing completion. The preparations involve teams responsible for production, lighting, and stadium layout.

Some 650 dancers and choreographers are taking part in the rehearsals, which have been organized daily for several weeks with the support of Chinese cooperation and Senegalese professionals.

The dress rehearsal is scheduled for October 29, two days before the official ceremony. The show is intended to tell a story connected to Senegal and Africa to a live audience and television viewers worldwide.

The coordinator also praised the role of RTS in communicating about the Games, particularly through coverage of the Olympic flame's journey and reports on the disciplines and venues.

One million tickets are planned for the competitions.

Public access to the Games is another major issue. According to Ibrahima Wade, approximately one million tickets have been allocated for all competitions and sessions, respecting venue capacity and security requirements.

Ticketing is organized by session to avoid an influx exceeding the capacity of the different venues.

The coordinator announced affordable prices for sporting events, with tickets at 400, 500, and 1,000 FCFA. For the opening ceremony, several categories are offered, including those priced at 4,000, 15,000, and 40,000 FCFA or more.

He was pleased with how the sales were going, which he deemed satisfactory, while also highlighting the importance of digital platforms in allowing the public to participate in the event.

With just days to go before the launch, Dakar 2026 is emerging as a major logistical, human, and security challenge for Senegal. For Ibrahima Wade, the success of the Games will depend on the coordination of all stakeholders involved and on the public's support for this historic event for the African continent.