Preparations for the 2026 Gamou of Thiénaba: Road safety and public health challenges highlighted

Preparations for the annual Gamou of Thiénaba have officially begun. Gathered around the governor of Thiès in the regional development committee (CRD), administrative authorities, technical services, and representatives of the religious city reviewed the measures intended to ensure the smooth running of the 2026 edition.

Serigne Cheikhou Seck, spokesperson for the Caliph General of Thiénaba, conveyed the religious leader's recommendations. He particularly emphasized the need to rehabilitate the Thiès-Khombole road to facilitate the movement of the thousands of pilgrims expected.

He also advocated for increased road safety and security in the religious city, while calling for respect for the values and principles that underpin the brotherhood and this important religious gathering.

On behalf of the Caliph General, Serigne Cheikhou Seck expressed his gratitude to the Governor and Prefect of Thiès, the Sub-Prefect of Thiénaba, and all State services for their support in organizing the event.

Governor Saër Ndao praised the involvement of the various services in the success of Gamou 2025. He urged them to maintain this momentum and improve the arrangements put in place for the 2026 edition.

He assured that issues related to health, security, water supply, and electricity would be addressed. Regarding security, he stated that the defense and security forces have always lived up to their mission and will continue to do so this year.

On the road safety front, Saër Ndao announced a zero-tolerance policy towards dangerous driving. The stated objective is to achieve zero accidents during the Gamou festival, through increased enforcement, greater responsibility from motorists, and heightened vigilance from security forces.

The governor also called on firefighters to redouble their efforts to ensure the safety of the population.

From a health perspective, Saër Ndao recommended avoiding the transport of food cooked outside to Thiénaba in order to prevent the risk of food poisoning.

The regional hygiene service, for its part, was tasked with overseeing the choice of the animal slaughter site, controlling the quality of the bagged water sold commercially, as well as that of the food intended for the pilgrims.

Finally, the governor stressed the need to strengthen awareness campaigns against road accidents and the need to ensure smooth communication between administrative authorities, technical services and all stakeholders mobilized for the success of the 2026 Thiénaba Gamou.