Dakar mayor’s walk disrupted by crowd: Abass Fall criticizes lack of discipline

Dakar’s Patriotic Hike Hit by Disorder as Sonko Leaves Early

An organized patriotic hike in Dakar, themed “Marching Toward 2029”, took an unexpected turn when Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko cut his participation short on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event, spearheaded by Mayor Abass Fall, aimed to foster unity and civic pride, but was marred by unruly behavior among some attendees.

The incident unfolded shortly after the walk began, forcing Sonko to depart prematurely. According to eyewitness accounts, the disruption stemmed from a lack of discipline among certain participants, creating an environment that made it impossible for the Prime Minister to continue.

Mayor Abass Fall expressed deep frustration over the situation, calling it a critical setback for the event’s purpose. “We face a serious issue here. You can’t invite authority figures only to have people behave without discipline. It undermines everything. We came to march, but why can’t people follow the rules? Now, he’s left because of this,” Fall stated during a press interaction.

When questioned about the visible support Sonko received from his supporters, Fall emphasized the need for responsible enthusiasm. “Affection must be paired with intelligence. People need to act wisely—this is a real problem,” he asserted.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing public enthusiasm with orderly civic participation in Senegal’s capital. As the city gears up for future initiatives, the question of discipline and respect for structured events remains a key focus.