Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: The IOC and the Organizing Committee congratulate the Senegalese Customs for its management at the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD).

The Director General of Customs, Malick Mbaye, conducted a site visit to Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The purpose of this visit was to review the entire reception, orientation, and facilitation system specifically deployed to support participants and delegations of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Upon arrival, the customs authority was greeted by a delegation from the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC), led by Louis Lamotte, Chief of Staff to the President of the Organising Committee, accompanied by his staff.

On site, the Director General of Customs toured the airport terminal to observe firsthand the reception process for official delegations arriving from around the world. Malick Mbaye spoke directly with travelers, officials from the Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Youth Games (COJOJ), and local customs chiefs to assess the effectiveness of the passenger flow management. These discussions confirmed that the system in place is proving successful and perfectly meets the requirements for smooth passenger flow.

The head of customs expressed his satisfaction with the work accomplished and warmly congratulated the Subdivision Chief and his teams for their diligence. Malick Mbaye also thanked the COJOJ (Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Youth Games) for this synergy of action, strengthened by the signing of a framework agreement, describing the Customs-COJOJ partnership as a successful example of institutional cooperation. Taking advantage of this platform, he reminded the officers that "Customs must project an image of performance and transparency, supported by clear, well-known, and predictable procedures."

A special mention from the IOC and zero disputes recorded

Speaking on behalf of the COJOJ (Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games), Louis Lamotte paid a heartfelt tribute to the customs administration. In front of the Director General, he revealed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had awarded a special commendation to Senegalese Customs for its crucial support.

“I reiterate our high satisfaction with the Customs Administration, which resolved upstream difficulties that could have compromised the holding of the Games,” stressed the Chief of Staff to the President of the COJOJ.

Mr. Lamotte commended the customs officers for their exemplary proactive approach, noting that there are currently no outstanding disputes or cases. By streamlining the entire temporary admission process for materials and equipment, the institution is reinforcing its reputation as one of the most modern and responsive administrations on the continent.

During this inspection visit, the Director General of Customs was accompanied by the Director of Customs Operations and the Head of the Special Office.