The concept of Army-Nation unity continues to gain momentum in the southern region. With each call from the armed forces, the mobilization of the population is consistently strong and evident.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the public's response to the call for sporting mobilization in Military Zone No. 5, as part of the preparatory activities for Armed Forces Day, was commensurate with the turnout. This took the form of a hike and a fitness session.

From the Aline Sitoé Diatta roundabout, passing along Boulevard 54, the Peace Hospital, the Artisan Village, the Yamatogne Police Station, and Bambaya Square, there was a strong sense of unity and fraternity between the population, the armed forces, and other security forces. This large gathering concluded at the Governor's office.

"What must be noted once again is the mobilization of the entire population of Ziguinchor, the mobilization of all the security forces under the authority of the Governor of the Ziguinchor region and all the other local authorities who are accompanying us in the conduct of these activities," said Colonel Cheikh Guèye, Commander of Military Zone No. 5. He congratulated the people for their strong mobilization.

He believes that they are once again showing a side of the armed forces that are not only here for security reasons but also participate in community life. [...]

For this edition of Armed Forces Day, he continued, as you saw on the t-shirts, this year's theme is the armed forces as partners of the Youth Olympic Games. [...]

Following him, the Deputy Governor in charge of development, Alsény Bangoura, made the same observations.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor praised the activity, which promotes the concept of the army as a nation, meaning that the army stands alongside the people.

"We are in the process of implementing the guidelines that the authorities have defined;

The theme of the armed forces as partners of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This theme reflects the authorities' desire to instill in young people the values of commitment, discipline, hard work, love, neighbor, respect for the common good and above all, as I said earlier, respect for the common good as well," the authority maintained.

Deputy Governor Alsény Bangoura praised the commitment of the entire population to what is essential. He also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of fostering unity and community spirit.

"We walked for 1 hour and 35 minutes. We didn't feel it because we did it together. We didn't feel it because we did it with the armed forces. Which means in reality, whatever challenges lie ahead, whether it's this global event, the Youth Olympic Games, or other challenges, we will indeed succeed in meeting them if and only if we are together," the administrative authority stated.