A formal handover ceremony was held yesterday, Thursday, at the Touba Special Police Station, presided over by the Director of Public Security, Ndiarra Sène. Chief Commissioner Diégane Sène, after four years at the head of the police in the holy city, passed the torch to Chief Commissioner Daouda Bodian, formerly head of the Guédiawaye Central Police Station.

A vibrant ceremony, unanimous tributes

The ceremony brought together numerous dignitaries, including Mayor Abdou Lahat Ka, the commander of the Touba Special Gendarmerie Brigade, Serigne Abdou Lahad Bousso of the Moukhadimatoul Khidma religious association, representatives of the Ocass market delegate, transporters, and members of religious and traditional families. All paid heartfelt tribute to the outgoing commissioner, praising his remarkable work in the holy city.

The Director of Public Safety commends two exceptional commissioners

Speaking next, the Director of Public Security, Ndiarra Sène, first expressed his satisfaction with the outgoing commissioner. "This is yet another of your qualities. You know that, under these circumstances, I couldn't list them all. It's your humility, your generosity, and your spirit... I congratulate you again and encourage you to continue," he said to Diégane Sène.

Speaking about the profile of the new head of service, the Director of Public Security (DSP) sought to reassure the people of Touba. "Chief Police Commissioner Daouda Bodian was carefully selected by the authorities to take the reins of this police station, following the remarkable tenure of Chief Commissioner Diégane Sène. He is a dedicated, competent, rigorous, and readily available officer. He has built and consolidated a very valuable experience within the National Police in general, and in the field of public security in particular. He commanded the central police station in Guédiawaye for nearly four years, also demonstrating recognized human and professional qualities," he stated.

Diégane Sène: "I leave Touba with a feeling of satisfaction"

Visibly moved, Chief Superintendent Diégane Sène took the floor to give thanks to God before expressing his pride and satisfaction after four years at the head of the special police station. He first wanted to share the credit for the work accomplished with his colleagues. "As has been mentioned, we have just completed four years at the head of the Touba Special Police Station. Significant work has been accomplished here. However, I am not solely responsible. This result is above all that of a team composed of dedicated officers, non-commissioned officers, and police agents who have supported me with professionalism, selflessness, and a strong sense of duty," he declared.

He then paid tribute to the religious authorities and the people of Touba. “I would like to thank the religious and traditional authorities, as well as the prominent figures. They never closed their doors to us and were always there whenever we needed them. Their support was crucial to the success of our mission. I also thank the people of Touba for their understanding and cooperation. Despite the security challenges, they always supported our actions, which greatly facilitated our work.”

Before concluding, he paid a poignant tribute to police officer Omar Ndiaye, who died in tragic circumstances, asking God to grant him His mercy. He ended with these emotional words: “I leave Touba with a sense of satisfaction, both as a professional and as a believer. Serving in this holy city has been an immense honor for me.”

Daouda Bodian: "Together, we will build a stronger security environment."

Taking the floor in turn, the new head of the Touba special police station, Chief Commissioner Daouda Bodian, opened his speech by paying tribute to his father, a police officer before him. "I also wish to express my deep gratitude to my parents, especially to my father—may he rest in peace—who was a police officer before me and who instilled in me a love for this profession," he said emotionally.

He then acknowledged the weight of the mission that awaits him. "Today, I am replacing a colleague whose worth, work ethic, and commitment are unanimously recognized. It is not easy to succeed him. I know him well: we shared some significant moments together, particularly at the police academy. This close relationship will allow me to ensure a smooth continuity in the management of the department."

Committing to a participatory and responsive management style, he appealed to all the active forces within the religious city. "With the staff present here, I pledge to be a leader who listens, prioritizing participatory management based on consultation, rigor, and a sense of duty. Together, we will build, stone by stone, a stronger security environment in this holy city. We have the resources, the skills, the will, and the determination," he concluded.

At the end of the ceremony, Chief Commissioner Diégane Sène officially left Touba to take command of the central police station in Guédiawaye, while Chief Commissioner Daouda Bodian took over as head of the special police station in Touba.