Like other regions of the country, Kaolack celebrated the 66th anniversary of Senegal's independence on Saturday, April 4th, under the theme: "Defense and security forces, partners of the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026".

Administrative, political, military, and civil authorities, under the effective chairmanship of the Governor of the Kaolack region, Amadou Watt, participated in the parade on Elhadji Abdoulaye Niasse Avenue. The head of the regional executive thanked and congratulated all the defense and security forces and the people of Kaolack for this large turnout despite the heat.

"We have just commemorated the 66th anniversary of our country's accession to international sovereignty. The Kaolack region has relied on this tradition. April 4th is the most important date in the republican calendar, but it is not simply a date. It is a chapter of our history rich in memory," he said.

Speaking about this year's theme "Defense Force and Security Partners of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games", he mentioned a major event with two major concerns: the issue of security and the mobilization of logistics.

“We truly owe them a great debt of gratitude and we have an obligation to collaborate with the defense and security forces because the first input in matters of security is intelligence, especially from the population. I am making this appeal to all the people of the Kaolack region to improve collaboration with the security forces and to make themselves available to them,” he added.

Serigne Mboup, mayor of the regional capital, emphasized: “We celebrate the dignity and courage of a people who chose to march together, with all its military, civilian, and religious components, to whom we pay tribute through our independence heroes, but also through our defense and security forces, who protect the peace, justice, and stability of our nation every day. In Kaolack, the celebration has a special significance because it reminds us that independence is also expressed through work, discipline, solidarity, and the development of our city.”

Colonel Massamba Thiam welcomed the smooth running of the celebration and announced that an evaluation meeting would be held soon to capitalize on the achievements and improve future editions.