Senegalese President Sall renews commitment to strengthen resources of country's defence, security forces
Dakar, Senegal (PANA) - Senegalese head of state Macky Sall Thursday renewed his commitment to strengthen and resource the country's defence and security forces, stressing the need to prepare for the rising insecurity and terrorism in Africa.
"I am reassured by the coherence of our defence concept, which is based on entirety. It is not only military, it involves cooperation between the units and the various components of our defence and security forces. I would like to reiterate my firm will to continue to equip and raise morale by revaluing the military condition, he said, at the end of the parade marking Senegal's 59th independence anniversary.
He congratulated the leaders and actors of this impressive parade attended by President George Weah of Liberia, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, and the vice-president of Sierra Leone as special guests.
President Sall hailed the presence of his guests, saying their presence was "a renewed sign of shared ideals" by their countries.
According to the public relations directorate of the Senegalese army, 5,850 people, including 1,875 civilians, took part in the parade held in Dakar on the Boulevard du Centenaire.
This year's parade was under the theme "Defence and Security Forces in Education for Citizenship and National Unity".
Civil and military parades, as well as other official ceremonies were also held in all regional capitals of the country in the presence of local government officials.
The celebration of Independence Day took place two days after the swearing into office of President Sall, who was re-elected on 24 February for a second five-year term.
-0- PANA AAS/IS/BBA/RA 04Apr2019
