Youth Olympic Games security: The overall plan unveiled

A few days before the opening of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé, conducted an inspection tour of security arrangements on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Accompanied by the Council coordinator, the ministry's secretary general, and members of his staff, he visited the headquarters of the National Gendarmerie and the National Fire Brigade (BNSP), the National Police command post at the Tour de l'Œuf complex, Camp Dial-Diop, and then the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.

This visit allowed the minister to assess the level of preparedness and coordination of the forces involved. He commended the interconnection of the various command posts with the central coordination structure, as well as the proactive capabilities developed over the past several months. While acknowledging that no system can guarantee zero risk, he expressed his confidence in the defense and security forces to ensure the protection of participants and the public.

Read also : "Artists, show, final torchbearer…: Everything you need to know about the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games"

The security plan covers the competition venues spread across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, as well as the Olympic Village, logistics and transportation infrastructure, and hotels accommodating the delegations. The National Gendarmerie is responsible for securing the sites under its jurisdiction and contributes to protecting travel routes. The National Police is responsible for the sites assigned to it and participates in operational planning. The Armed Forces contribute to the overall security plan, while the National Fire Brigade (BNSP) provides rescue and firefighting services. Medical personnel and other civilian responders complete this integrated organization.

For the overall security of the Games, the National Gendarmerie announced the mobilization of 5,000 gendarmes, supported by 569 vehicles and motorcycles, ten surveillance drones, six anti-drone systems, two ultralight aircraft, and 126 horses. International partners are also providing assistance in specialized areas. At the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, which will host the opening ceremony, 1,250 gendarmes are scheduled to ensure the event's security. For its part, the National Police announced the mobilization of 5,027 officers to contribute to the security coverage of the Youth Olympic Games throughout the country. Its collaboration with the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (COJOJ) focuses primarily on operational planning and is based on an agreement between the two organizations.

Read also: "Emergency services, security checks at AIBD airport and the hospital network: The government's strategy to guarantee zero-risk Youth Olympic Games"

Traffic flow , coordination, and operational constraints: The latest challenges to overcome

Traffic management is one of the main challenges facing this organization. Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé clarified that the highway will remain open, but that traffic will be reorganized with a lane reserved for vehicles with the required accreditations or permits.

“Traffic is not closed, the highway will not be closed,” he clarified. Traffic will be reorganized with a lane reserved for vehicles with the required accreditations or permits. The markings for this lane will be carried out in coordination with the infrastructure managers and relevant services to facilitate the movement of athletes and officials while minimizing disruption for other road users.

The discussions also highlighted the need to strengthen communication regarding movement restrictions and access conditions to the affected areas. Administrative authorities, security forces, and the COJOJ (Joint Olympic Committee) are urged to coordinate their efforts, particularly through social media and traditional media. Other points raised included expediting the issuance of accreditations and access permits, clarifying the conditions under which private security companies can operate, and finalizing logistical preparations.

At the end of this tour, the minister called for public understanding regarding the temporary constraints that may accompany the Games. As the opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium approaches, finalizing the last preparations and coordinating the various components of the operation remain essential to ensuring the smooth running of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games under optimal security conditions.