Elected officials with disabilities from Dakar, Kolda, Sédhiou, and Tambacounda were in Ziguinchor for a training session on issues related to their involvement. The meeting aimed to strengthen the advocacy skills of elected officials with reduced mobility and their mastery of legal instruments, in order to better defend the rights of people with disabilities in decision-making bodies.

Under the leadership of Habib Sabaly, president of the Association of Elected Officials with Disabilities of Senegal, an inclusive advocacy campaign has been launched in this regard. "If we are not present in the places where decisions are made, these decisions risk being made against us," he reminded everyone.

Beyond advocacy, the association places particular emphasis on promoting women with reduced mobility, considered a vulnerable group requiring specific support in terms of training and funding.

Participants also stressed the need to popularize the social orientation law, which constitutes an essential framework for the implementation of programs in favor of this segment of the population.

With the presence of mayors, committee chairs and now members of parliament with disabilities in the National Assembly, the association aims to extend this representation to all local authorities in the country.

In the end, Habib Sabaly reaffirmed that this fight aims to guarantee the full and complete participation of his peers in national development: "Our commitment is to make our voices heard and to positively influence public policies."