Senegal has welcomed 512 newly trained agents of the Local Security Assistance Agency (ASP) following the conclusion of a rigorous 26-day training programme at the Captain Mbaye Diagne Tactical Center No. 7 in Thiès.
The agents received their certificates in a formal indoor ceremony on Friday, September 12, underscoring the principles of military discipline, patriotism, and the partnership between the Army and the nation.
During the ceremony, Sibo Mballo, representing the trainees, expressed gratitude to the Director General of the ASP, Oumar Touré, and the training supervisors for their dedication. “This training allowed us to step out of our comfort zone and develop discipline, endurance, and a sense of duty. We are now morally and physically ready to proudly join the ranks of community security assistants.
We swear to loyally fulfill our civic duties in the name of the Nation,” he declared. He also paid tribute to the military and civilian instructors for their guidance and teaching expertise.
Squadron Leader Badara Pouye, commander of Tactical Center No. 7, highlighted the centre’s critical role in preparing both military and civilian personnel for operational duties. Since its inception, the facility has trained 88 contingents, nearly 56,000 officers, with over 8,600 people trained between 2024 and 2025 alone.
He presented the new class as the first to benefit from the basic military fundamentals provided by the centre. Reflecting on the legacy of Captain Mbaye Diagne, who sacrificed his life in 1994 during the Rwandan genocide, Pouye urged the agents to “always serve the fatherland with honor, discipline, and loyalty.”
Thiès Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Georges Samba Faye framed the training within the wider context of public service.
He stressed that the ASPs’ mission is to protect citizens, guide communities, and prevent violence, emphasizing punctuality, diligence, and civic responsibility as essential qualities.
In his remarks, ASP Director General Captain Seydina Oumar Touré described the programme as a “key moment” in the agents’ careers. He underscored the importance of discipline, endurance, and solidarity in navigating complex security challenges.
“You are at the heart of the community security policy initiated by the State. At the end of this training, I invite you to honour the uniform you will wear, to serve with loyalty, discipline, and integrity, and to strengthen the trust of the population,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Captain Mbaye Diagne, symbolising sacrifice and patriotism, while the military supervisors received praise for their dedicated mentorship. The ASP’s guiding principle, “security with a human face,” resonated throughout the event, reminding the 512 new agents of the responsibilities they now bear.
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