Matar Bâ says he was left out of Dakar 2026 plans

Matar Bâ has criticised his exclusion from preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, despite his role in securing the event for Senegal. The former sports minister and current mayor of Fatick said he and other former officials had not been brought into the process, although he believes their experience could still help deliver a successful Games.

Bâ made the remarks on the sidelines of the final of the Fatick Mayor’s Cup. He said he was the only African to sign the approval register for the Games while serving as sports minister under former president Macky Sall. At that stage, he said, he held full responsibility for the dossier.

The former minister nevertheless praised the current authorities for their work and said their efforts were directed towards ensuring the event succeeds. His criticism is therefore focused on his lack of involvement, rather than opposition to the preparations themselves.

Bâ said the Dakar Games represented a major opportunity for Africa and for Black people. His comments add a call for the inclusion of former officials to the preparations, while keeping the success of the 2026 event as his stated priority.