Dakar is preparing to vibrate to the rhythm of the April 4 celebrations, marking the anniversary of Senegal's accession to international sovereignty in 1960. This year, 6,092 people from the military, paramilitary, and civil society will participate in the grand parade planned for Dakar, according to Colonel Clément Nassalan, commander of Military Zone 1.
During a press briefing held at the General Mamadou Mansour Seck Amphitheater at Dial-Diop Camp, Colonel Nassalan unveiled the details of this emblematic ceremony. The Air Force will field 14 aircraft for aerial displays, while the motorized parade will include 397 vehicles and 140 motorcycles, symbolizing the strength and modernization of the defense and security forces.
The civilian component of the parade will feature the participation of 1,499 students from Senegalese schools. On the armed forces side, 1,172 recruits from military and paramilitary training schools will march alongside 1,425 members of the defense and security forces, divided into 22 formations. The parade will conclude with a mounted squadron of the National Gendarmerie, composed of 66 horses.
A theme focused on technological and industrial sovereignty
The theme chosen for this edition, "Towards the technological and industrial sovereignty of the armed forces," reflects Senegal's political will to establish its autonomy in defense and security matters. "This need responds to a strategic imperative: to build a national defense industry and guarantee military autonomy," emphasized Captain Ibrahima Sow, Director of Information and Public Relations for the Armed Forces.
A celebration under the presidency of Bassirou Diomaye Faye
The festivities will be chaired by the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in the presence of several dignitaries and distinguished guests from partner countries.
On April 3, the traditional torchlight procession will open the commemorations. The following day, after the parade, the grand military and civilian parade will take place on the Place de la Nation, followed in the afternoon by a cocktail reception at the Officers' Mess and a decoration ceremony presided over by the Minister of the Armed Forces.
This 2025 edition on April 4 promises to be grandiose, highlighting the growing strength of the Senegalese armed forces and their commitment to increased technological and industrial sovereignty.
