Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games - Matam is mobilizing for a historic welcome of the Olympic Flame

The entire Matam region is expected in the regional capital for the passage of the Flame of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, scheduled for October 6.

Gathered around the Regional Governor, several stakeholders pledged to make this a historic event. The Member of Parliament and Mayor of Matam, Mamadou Mory Diaw, announced a "general mobilization" following a Regional Development Committee (CRD) meeting.

For the authorities, the objective is to make this passage the first major demonstration of support from the people of Fouta for the first Olympic Games organized on the African continent.

General mobilization of vital forces

Beyond the populations of Matam, Ourossogui, Kanel, and Ranérou, all branches of the state are mobilized: administrative authorities, including prefects, sub-prefects, and decentralized services; the Defense and Security Forces, including the Army, Gendarmerie, Police, and River Marines for securing the river; and the Fire Brigade for the rescue operation. Local authorities, including the three departmental councils of Matam, Kanel, and Ranérou, and all the municipalities in the region, as well as the medical and social services, including the health district, the Red Cross, and the Hygiene Service, are also involved.

This, in synergy with citizen movements, youth and women's associations, students, community-based organizations, scouts and volunteers

A folk evening is being organized for October 5th.

A folk evening planned for October 5th will showcase local heritage with Soninke ballets, Yakka and Yéla dances performed by local troupes, epic songs of the Pékaan fishermen, and Haalpulaar Ripo and Lewlewal dances. Outrigger canoe races are also on the program.

These performances will be enhanced by those of the expected Mauritanian cultural troupes, with traditional songs and dances from the other side of the river.

On October 6, the Olympic torch relay will be carried by young athletes and local figures, in the presence of an official delegation from the sister Republic of Mauritania and people from the opposite bank of the river. This presence illustrates the long-standing good neighborliness and fraternity between the two peoples united by the river, perfectly in line with the spirit of friendship and peace of the Olympic Games.