Discipline lacking at Dakar mayor’s patriotic walk with Sonko

The Dakar Mayor’s patriotic walk, themed “Marching Toward 2029,” took an unexpected turn this past Sunday when Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko exited early amid growing chaos. Organized by Mayor Abass Fall, the event aimed to foster national unity, but instead became a showcase for a lack of order among attendees.

The premature departure of the Prime Minister was attributed to significant overcrowding and unruly behavior at the event location. Mayor Fall expressed his frustration over the situation, emphasizing the need for discipline, especially when high-profile officials are present. He stated, “We have a real problem here. How can we expect guests of honor to participate when attendees refuse to follow basic rules? A march requires discipline—this is unacceptable.”

When questioned about the visible support for Sonko from some participants, Abass Fall stressed that enthusiasm must be paired with maturity. He remarked, “Affection without intelligence is a problem. People must act responsibly—this is a serious issue.”

The incident has reignited discussions about public event management in Dakar and the challenges faced by organizers when coordinating large-scale gatherings. It also highlights the delicate balance between public enthusiasm and maintaining order during official events.