Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: These sites are targeted to change the face of Dakar

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) begin on October 31. In preparation for this sporting event, the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition is intensifying its efforts to offer visitors a clean, beautiful, and green capital. Under the leadership of Dr. Aliou Gori Diouf, the departments and agencies under his ministry are mobilized on the ground.

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This Sunday, the roundabout at Unit 26 in the Parcelles-Assainies district was the site of a major cleanup operation called "Natal Sunu Gokh." Sand removal, cleaning, and the removal of posters were at the heart of this initiative, which saw a strong turnout of young people. The operation is part of the "Dundal JOJ" concept. With the slogan "Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates," the authorities want to use the Games as an opportunity to present a more welcoming image of the Senegalese capital. Present at the event, Mame Fatou Ngom, a special advisor to the President of the Republic and head of Kiiraay in the Yoff district, explained the choice of location. According to her, some areas of Dakar still present an unsanitary appearance that contrasts with the image of "Téranga" (hospitality) that Senegal wishes to project. "This day, initiated by the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition, falls within the framework of the 'Dundal JOJ' concept. Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates." “So, we need to project a positive image of our capital,” she said. She also called on Dakar residents, especially young people, to make the fight against dirt and unsanitary conditions a collective commitment.

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Targeted sites to change the face of Dakar

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The Minister of the Environment and Ecological Transition, Dr. Aliou Gori Diouf, commended the mobilization of his department's services, particularly the Water and Forestry Department, SONAGED (National Water and Sanitation Company), and the Directorate of Living Environment. He stated that the youth's commitment reflects their support for the Youth Olympic Games, which Senegal will host next October. "We are on the ground taking action, following the instructions of His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. He has asked us to work together to present a positive image of our capital, Dakar," the Minister indicated. He specifically mentioned the VDN (Voie de Dégagement Nord) and the parking lot of the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium as targeted areas due to their poor condition. Other sites in the capital are also slated for interventions aimed at improving, re-greening, and revitalizing them. But beyond these specific operations, the Minister emphasized the need to preserve the results achieved. "We mustn't simply clean, re-green, beautify one day, and then leave." “We must ensure the sustainability of our actions,” he emphasized. Dr. Aliou Gori Diouf thus encourages the population, particularly young people and local residents, to take ownership of the rehabilitated spaces.

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A mobilization around the Youth Olympic Games

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Operation “Natal Sunu Gokh” was also marked by the mobilization of officials and activists from the presidential movement in the Parcelles-Assainies and Yoff districts, notably behind Fatou Kiné Diakhaté, known as “Fifi,” Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, and Mame Fatou Ngom. The Ministry intends to contribute to Dakar's preparations for welcoming the thousands of visitors expected for the Youth Olympic Games. According to the authorities, the goal is to ensure that Senegal's guests leave with the image of a clean, green, and welcoming capital.