ADVANCING RESPONSIBLE SECURITY AHEAD OF DAKAR 2026

In September 2025, ICoCA visited Senegal to support the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (YOGOC) ahead of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in October 2026. The mission aimed to ensure that the use of private security at Dakar 2026 aligns with international human rights standards. During the visit, ICoCA conducted a landscape assessment of potential human rights risks linked to private security operations and worked closely with YOGOC staff to build capacity to identify, manage and mitigate these risks. ICoCA’s engagement with YOGOC will continue into 2026 through ongoing support and follow-up activities.

Beyond its work with YOGOC, ICoCA met with key national stakeholders. Discussions underscored Senegal’s comparatively stable security environment relative to its neighbours, while recognising the important role the private security industry plays in mitigating risks and supporting public safety. Stakeholders acknowledged that current private security legislation is outdated and welcomed the progress being made toward new laws to strengthen oversight and raise sector standards.

As a regional hub in West Africa, Senegal is well positioned to champion responsible, rights-respecting private security practices across the region. Delivering Dakar