Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Following the SEC.EX exercise, security forces are preparing to undergo certification testing on October 6th and 7th

A few weeks before the Youth Olympic Games, the National Security Committee (CNS-JOJ) simulated a series of major incidents on September 28 and 29, including a hostage situation at the Terrou-Bi Hotel. Everything that follows is purely an exercise: none of these events are real.

A consolidation exercise before certification

On September 28 and 29, 2026, the National Security Committee for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (CNS-JOJ) organized the sector consolidation exercise called SEC.EX. Its aim was to test, under conditions closely resembling real-world engagement, the coordination capabilities of the Operations Coordination Center (CCO), operational command posts (PCO), tactical command posts (PCT), and deployed units. These units were tasked with conducting coordinated actions in response to complex, evolving, and multi-site scenarios.

The chosen operational principle is based on an inter-service and inter-component approach. The territorially competent force leads the action, supported by the concurrent capabilities of the other services.

Monday, September 28: six incidents shared between the police and the gendarmerie

The first day mobilized the resources across all the selected areas, through six major incidents evenly distributed between the two main components. Three scenarios fell under the jurisdiction of the national police.

At Saly Beach West and Lamantin Beach, the exercise combined a maritime and land-based incident. It included rescue operations, the neutralization of a drone, fire management, as well as protest and law enforcement actions.

At the Iba Mar Diop stadium, teams dealt with ticket fraud, fake accreditations, and a bomb threat. They also handled the evacuation of the site, specialized interventions, and public order disturbances.

At the Egg Tower complex, they dealt with fraud, rumors of armed individuals, panic movements, a health incident at the swimming pool, a cyberattack and the simulation of a slow-moving protest.

The three other scenarios were handled by the National Gendarmerie. On the AIBD-A1 motorway-exit 11 and CICAD route, the initial border control was managed by the DPAF (Directorate of Border Police). The exercise also included escorting a delegation, a multi-vehicle collision, mass casualty rescue, traffic control, and medical evacuations.

At the Olympic Village, the gendarmerie dealt with a mass food poisoning outbreak, providing first aid to victims, evacuations, securing the food chain, and conducting judicial investigations. At the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, the scenario involved managing crowd flow, stampedes, violence, a multi-casualty accident, a drone intrusion, and an aerial threat, requiring evacuation and specialized interventions.

Tuesday, September 29: The hostage situation at the Terrou-Bi Hotel

The second day focused on two major crises: the hostage situation at the Terrou-Bi Hotel and a security incident aboard the Regional Express Train (TER). According to the scenario, on September 29th at approximately 10:20 a.m., a commando of 11 suspected assailants of Senegalese nationality barricaded themselves in the hotel's Escape Room and gym. The group was affiliated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, led by Mr. El Senegalensis. The assailants took about fifty people hostage: a dozen officials, IOC representatives, guests, chaperones, members of the organizing committee, and hotel staff.

The area was immediately cordoned off and specialized units deployed. Fifteen hostages were initially released, four of whom were wounded. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 250 million CFA francs and the withdrawal of the specialized units, without making any other political demands.

With negotiations having failed, an emergency assault was launched, lasting nearly two hours, by specialized units including the BIP, the GIGN, and the Special Forces. Ten assailants were apprehended and handed over to investigators; one was killed, and three were wounded. Six AK-47 assault rifles were seized. Two hostages lost their lives. Of the 55 people treated and taken to the National Fire Brigade (BNSP), 13 were injured, four of whom were in serious condition.

Tuesday, September 29, midday: assault, bomb threat and fire on the regional train

At 12:12 PM, a 15-person American official delegation, which had departed from Dakar via the regional express train (TER), was attacked with a knife. One of its members was targeted. The swift intervention of the gendarmes neutralized the assailant, who was immediately arrested.

At 12:50 PM, a bomb threat was triggered. The train was immediately stopped at Sébikotane station, and the national gendarmerie established a security perimeter. Specialized units evacuated the 30 passengers on board, and EOD teams were deployed to investigate and inspect the train.

At 1:13 p.m., a fire was reported at the rear of the train. It was quickly brought under control by the BNSP (National Fire Brigade).

Next step: the certification exercise on October 6th and 7th

SEC.EX is preparing for the full-scale certification exercise scheduled for October 6 and 7, 2026, presented as a test of acquired skills. It will assess four points: interoperability between units deployed at strategic sites, the promptness of reactions to crisis management and crowd control scenarios, the effectiveness of command chains and real-time communication flows, and mastery of protocols related to international standards for major sporting events.

The authorities are highlighting months of planning, joint training, and tactical simulations. They also see it as a deterrent signal, demonstrating a vigilant state ready to meet security challenges. Only after certification will the level of preparedness of the system be truly assessable.