Actus. With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) just three months away, Senegal and France are significantly enhancing their security cooperation. Interior ministers from both nations have engaged in discussions regarding the preparations for this momentous event, marking a historic first for the African continent. The final stages of JOJ preparations are now actively underway.
As the opening of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) approaches in just three months, Senegal is diligently advancing its preparations in collaboration with its international partners.
Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé, Senegal’s Minister of Interior and Public Security, held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with his French counterpart, Laurent Nuñez. Their discussion centered on the security arrangements to be deployed during the competition, which is slated to run from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
Set to be the first Olympic event ever hosted on the African continent, the JOJ will welcome thousands of young athletes, officials, and journalists from around the globe. Consequently, ensuring robust security for all participants and attendees presents a primary challenge for the Senegalese authorities.
Paris affirms its commitment to Dakar’s security
According to the Senegalese Ministry of Interior, the two high-ranking officials primarily focused their exchange on France’s support for securing the Games, alongside other key areas of cooperation between Dakar and Paris. This recent dialogue follows up on discussions initiated during Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé’s official visit to Paris in June 2026, shortly after he assumed his current responsibilities. While specific operational details of this cooperation have not been publicly disclosed, France possesses extensive experience in managing security for major international sporting events, particularly after successfully hosting the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A gesture of solidarity amidst France’s challenges
At the beginning of their conversation, the Senegalese minister also extended his solidarity to France, which has been grappling with significant forest fires in its southern regions for several weeks. This act of empathy highlights the strong quality of relations between the two nations, extending beyond the immediate concerns related to the JOJ.
A historic milestone for the African continent
Senegalese authorities view this enhanced cooperation as a crucial factor for the overall success of the Games. The Dakar 2026 JOJ represents an unprecedented historical moment: never before has an Olympic competition been organized on the African continent. Beyond the sporting spectacle, this event offers a vital international platform for Senegal, which aims to showcase its capability to host a global gathering under the most secure conditions.
With the event drawing nearer, Dakar is accelerating its coordination efforts with partners to ensure these Games leave a lasting legacy, both in terms of athletic achievement and organizational excellence.