Mouhamadou Diakhaté urges Thiès Navétanes to reject violence

Thiès-Nord’s Navétanes competitions must become spaces for peace and social cohesion, mayor Mouhamadou Diakhaté said as he urged young people and sports associations to reject violence. His appeal comes after recurring incidents around the competitions have raised concerns about tensions between local teams and their supporters.

Violence and vandalism have affected Navétanes events in Thiès in recent years, prompting administrative authorities to take suspensive measures. Diakhaté called on the actors involved to place respect, dialogue and fair play at the centre of the competitions, with the aim of protecting relationships between the various associations.

The mayor said sport should bring people together rather than divide them, while also contributing to physical and mental wellbeing. He wants the tournaments to remain places of fraternity instead of becoming sources of conflict in the commune.

Diakhaté made the appeal during a ceremony where the Thiès-Nord municipality distributed subsidies to local sports and cultural associations, known as ASC. The funding event provided the setting for a wider call to organisers, players and young supporters to help ensure competitions take place without violence.