Year 24 since the sinking of the "Joola": The Prime Minister expected in Ziguinchor

While on a tour of Casamance, the Minister of the Armed Forces, Yankhoba Diémé, delivered a message in Sédhiou from the Head of State and Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo. As preparations for the 24th anniversary of the sinking of the "Joola" ferry were underway, he called upon religious and traditional leaders to hold collective prayers for the victims, announcing the Prime Minister's presence in Ziguinchor to preside over the commemorative ceremony.

In the departments of Goudomp, Bounkiling and Sédhiou, Yankhoba Diémé emphasized the importance of this moment of national remembrance. "I have come to Casamance for the second time within a month, to deliver a message from the Head of State, but also from the Prime Minister," he declared before Muslim, Christian and traditional religious leaders.

The minister emphasized the role of communities in preparing for this commemoration. "The Prime Minister instructed me to tell the imams and ulema, as well as the men of the Church, to pray in the lead-up to the ceremony commemorating the sinking of the 'Joola'. To pray for our dead, to pray for all those who perished in this tragic accident," he stressed.

Yankhoba Diémé welcomed the responsiveness of the religious authorities. "I am pleased to see that the imams of Ziguinchor have already sent a message throughout the network, asking for solemn prayers this Friday, September 25. I thank them," he stated.

He also praised the Church's initiative: "They didn't wait for my arrival. They have already announced prayers in which my team and I will participate."

Faithfully conveying the words of Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo, the minister announced: "This year, he himself will come to Ziguinchor on Saturday, September 26, to preside over the commemoration ceremony. This tragedy must not be forgotten."

For Yankhoba Diémé, this commemoration is also a reminder of collective responsibilities: "This will be an opportunity for everyone to remember the deceased, but also to reinforce what is most right for the Republic, most secure for the Republic, and safest."

By delivering this message to imams, priests and traditional dignitaries, the Minister of the Armed Forces reaffirmed the importance of national cohesion and the duty of remembrance.