By designating the city of Thiès to host the official celebration on April 4, 2026, the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, places the railway capital at the heart of the most symbolic event in Senegalese republican life. This distinction honors an entire region and entails a collective responsibility: to make this Independence Day a model of organization, patriotic fervor, and national cohesion.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the council chamber of City Hall, Mayor Dr. Babacar Diop, who solemnly expressed the gratitude of the people of Thiès, noted that the President of the Republic had rectified a long-standing injustice done to the people of Thiès after the aborted 2004 parade, which was canceled due to political maneuvering. On behalf of the City Council, administrative authorities, community leaders, and the population, he praised the Head of State's choice, describing it as "a strong and historic sign of confidence."

"It is an immense honor and an equally great responsibility," the mayor declared, noting that the decision, formalized in the Council of Ministers on January 28, 2026, goes beyond mere protocol. For him, it reflects a clear political vision: that of a Senegal where every territory fully participates in nation-building.

It should also be noted that this approach is part of the "Independence Program," a vast plan to modernize the infrastructure of regional capitals. Through this initiative, the State intends to tailor public policies to local needs, correct imbalances, and bring public action closer to citizens. The mayor of Thiès considers this approach "ambitious, inclusive, and conducive to harmonious development."

Dr. Babacar Diop continued: Thanks to its logistical and urban advantages, the city did not hesitate to submit its application as soon as this policy was announced by the Council of Ministers on November 19, 2025. Its wide avenues, its infrastructure, and its experience in organizing large-scale events are strong arguments in its favor. Thiès has a well-established republican tradition: it already hosted the national celebrations in 1979 under Léopold Sédar Senghor and was selected again in 2004 under Abdoulaye Wade. These precedents have forged a recognized expertise.

This local ambition received unanimous support from the City Council during the budget orientation debate last December. "Today's presidential decision confirms this collective commitment and strengthens the city's strategic positioning among the country's major metropolitan areas," the mayor noted. He then reassured everyone that, fully aware of the challenges, the municipality was announcing a comprehensive mobilization of resources.

"Municipal services will work in close coordination with administrative, military, and security authorities to ensure flawless organization, both logistically and in terms of security," Dr. Diop emphasized. He believes that April 4, 2026, must transcend the ceremonial aspect of the military parade to become a moment of national unity. "It will be a time for reconciliation, peace, and social cohesion. We will make this celebration a popular, republican, and unifying festival," he insisted.

The mayor is calling on every resident of Thiès to get involved in order to properly welcome guests from across the country. True to its reputation as a city of hospitality and cultural exchange, Thiès intends to open its doors and its hearts to reflect the image of a united Senegal, in solidarity and proud of its history. According to him, in April 2026, the railway city will not only be a place of welcome: it will become the living symbol of a united nation.

Dr. Babacar Diop reiterated his grand ambition for Thiès, stating that he wants to make it a city of importance throughout the country, Africa, and the world. For him, it is out of the question that Thiès should be a suburb or a dormitory town of the capital, Dakar.

He wants to make Thiès a city capable of competing with the world's greatest cities. "I want to make Thiès a modern metropolis, an economic, financial, political, military, and academic center... that has an influence on the country's progress. Thiès must have an influence among the major cities."

"Thiès's place is not to play second fiddle. Its role is to be first in every field," he continued. For him, Thiès cannot be a dependency of the capital. "Thiès will never be a suburb of Dakar. Thiès will not be a dormitory suburb of Dakar," he insisted.