The celebration of April 4, 2026 will forever remain a foundational event. It is the fourth time after

It was in 1977 Diourbel, 1979 Thiès and 1981 Louga that the beating heart of the Republic left the familiar cobblestones of Boulevard du Centenaire and the solemnity of Independence Square in Dakar to settle in the vibrant arteries of Thiès.

By relocating the festivities of our accession to international sovereignty, the President of the Republic Bassirou Diomaye Faye has accomplished a gesture that goes beyond military logistics: he has given substance to the concept of Territorial Equity and revived, by proof, our national pride.

In Thiès, where the tribute to the armed forces blended seamlessly with the spirit of the youth festival, national pride was rekindled. This triumphant event serves as a powerful reminder that the Republic is not confined to the capital: it is a sacred flame whose light is meant to illuminate every city and village in Senegal.

It's fair to say that at the beginning of April, our nation successfully combined its traditions as a dynamic people with its ambitions as a sub-regional military power. Under the theme "The Defense and Security Forces, Partners of the Youth Olympic Games," the event highlighted the strategic role of the Defense and Security Forces in securing the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. This first Olympic Games on African soil is already instilling a spirit of unity and achievement, merging military discipline with the ideals of Olympism.

Under the benevolent shade of the cailcédrat trees on Avenue Caen, the "Railway City" has been transformed. Beyond the splendor, this decentralization has served as an economic and urban catalyst. As the mayor of Thiès, Mr. Babacar Diop, emphasized, the urgency of the event accelerated essential projects: paving, public lighting, sanitation, and the development of living spaces. This is the true legacy of April 4th: a national holiday that has become a lever for local development. The spectacle itself was magnificent. Under the gaze of the Head of State and his guest of honor, the President of the Gabonese Republic, our troops and our youth offered, with harmony and determination, a display of strength and dignity. With meticulous precision and technical accuracy, the parade swept away doubts, giving way to renewed hope. Our armed forces have reminded us that they remain the unshakeable foundation of our national sanctuary.

The Senegalese spirit spoke once again this weekend. The convergence of the nation's time and the time of faith revealed the profound soul of Senegal: that of lived fraternity. Between the solemnity of Easter masses and the enthusiasm of the crowds during regional parades, including torchlight processions, national unity manifested itself with rare strength, offering the world the most radiant image of our country.

Seeing Christian families sharing the traditional ngalakh with their Muslim brothers, amidst patriotic fervor, was a powerful reminder: our social fabric is an unshakeable bulwark against political or religious contingencies.

The crowning of the new king of the arena was merely the culmination of a long weekend of communion.

We emerge from this filled with a renewed certainty: that of belonging to a pluralistic and resilient nation. More than ever, we are One People, One Goal, One Faith.

Papa Ibrahima DIASSÉ