Dakar 2026 State worried by Place de l’Indépendance delays

Senegal’s government has raised concern over the pace of work at Dakar’s Place de l’Indépendance, a project linked to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The warning places pressure on the Dakar municipality to accelerate construction with only 70 days remaining before the opening of the event.

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo told lawmakers that 5 billion CFA francs had already been released to Dakar municipality for the programme. He said the government was not yet satisfied with progress at the square, despite assurances from Mayor Abass Fall that the work remained on schedule.

Lo plans to visit the site personally and work with municipal authorities on an emergency action plan. The intervention comes as the government assesses preparations for the Games, which will run from 31 October to 13 November 2026.

The prime minister said other major facilities were giving greater confidence, including Iba Mar Diop Stadium, the Olympic swimming pool, the Olympic village, the equestrian centre and road infrastructure. The Place de l’Indépendance therefore stands out as the principal area of concern in the current preparations, with the remaining time narrowing before Dakar hosts the Youth Olympics.