Senegal: President Macky Sall bids Farewell to the Armed Forces
In the twilight of his Presidential terms , President Macky Sall of Senegal addressed the military to provide a brief military review and, at the same time, remind the army of its duties.
In his final weeks as President of the Republic, Macky Sall aims to ensure the loyalty he has enjoyed during his ten years at the helm of the country, with the expectation that the same obedience will be extended to his successor.
He fulfilled this duty by taking advantage of the commemoration of the Armed Forces Day at Camp Dial Diop on this Tuesday.
«As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I have shared with you, for over a decade, my vision and passion to serve our country, and the ambition to equip it with an efficient defense tool to meet the challenges of the time. I would like, at this solemn moment, to express my full confidence and satisfaction and to thank you very much for the work we have accomplished together», began the Head of State.
Discussing the military assessment of his two terms, outgoing President Macky Sall indicated that he has always given high priority to the defense and security forces «so that they can serve the State, the Nation, and the Republic under the best possible conditions».
He added, «This is the purpose of the extensive modernization program of our armed forces that I have implemented since assuming the highest office».
Continuing in the same vein, Macky Sall pointed out that during his terms (between 2012 and 2023), the military budget saw an «unprecedented increase of 250%».
This allowed for better equipping the land, maritime, and air components of the defense and security forces.
In terms of personnel, there has been an increase of over 60%, according to Macky Sall.
As a reminder, Senegalese citizens are set to go to the polls on February 24 of the coming year, and there is a strong hope that the election will take place without violence.
Yann ETERNEL
