The official launch of National Youth Week by the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on March 30, 2026, in Thiès, provided an opportunity for Dr. Babacar Diop to make a strong impression. For the mayor of the railway city, which is also preparing to host the National Independence Day celebrations, the choice of his city was no accident: "No other place was better prepared than our city to celebrate our youth. Tonight, it is the meeting of a wonderful youth and a wonderful city within a wonderful nation."

The primacy of values over physical infrastructure

In a speech imbued with philosophy, the mayor of Thiès praised the presidential initiative as a bulwark against the erosion of civic engagement. "At this time of crisis of values, you have decided to launch major projects for new civic and moral infrastructure. This constitutes the foundation of the nation and precedes physical and material infrastructure," stated Dr. Babacar Diop. According to him, the strength of a nation rests first and foremost on this "shared desire to live together."

For the mayor, this week should serve as a school of patriotism and "moral rearmament" for a youth he describes as valiant and conquering. He even cited the players of the national football team as an example, calling them "living heroes" who have conquered the world through their courage and sacrifice.

Thiès: a city "rebellious but never ungrateful"

Addressing the head of state directly, the mayor recalled the unique character of his municipality: "Thiès, grateful, remains ever defiant, but it is never ungrateful to its benefactors."

With the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG 2026) in mind, Dr. Babacar Diop urged young people to embrace the virtues of Olympism: excellence, endurance, duty, and respect for the opponent. He believes that Senegalese youth must draw upon these values to carry on the legacy of a stable and peaceful nation.