Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: The National Gendarmerie opens the doors of the Diamniadio equestrian center to the Games

The Diamniadio equestrian center is now fully integrated into the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) program. An agreement signed this Friday between the national gendarmerie and the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (COJOJ) formalizes the use of this benchmark infrastructure, presented by both parties as a major asset for the success of the event.

An agreement welcomed by the general coordinator of the COJOJ, Ibrahima Wade, who considers the Diamniadio equestrian center as a major legacy of the YOG.

"The Diamniadio equestrian center is one of the finest examples of this heritage. Designed according to the most demanding international standards, it testifies to the will of the State of Senegal, through the prestigious institution of the national gendarmerie, to provide our country with infrastructure capable of hosting the biggest world competitions," he said.

According to him, with its quarries conforming to the requirements of the International Equestrian Federation, its modern facilities and its secure environment, the complex now constitutes a reference in West Africa, or even on the continent.

For his part, the high commander of the national gendarmerie and director of military justice, Major General Martin Faye, stressed that this agreement goes beyond simply making a sports site available.

"The action we are taking today goes beyond simply making infrastructure available. It reflects a shared vision, based on institutional solidarity, the pooling of state resources and the common will to contribute to the success of a project of national interest," he stated.

General Faye reiterated that hosting the Youth Olympic Games is both a source of immense pride and a collective responsibility. "It is up to us to demonstrate globally our country's ability to organize an international competition while adhering to the highest standards of quality, safety, and excellence," he emphasized, before highlighting the strategic role that the National Gendarmerie's equestrian center will play in the Games' infrastructure.