The Ziguinchor department began the 2026 Primary School Leaving Certificate (CFEE) exams this Tuesday, as did other parts of the country. The exams started in an atmosphere of discipline and calm. Administrative and academic authorities present on site unanimously praised the quality of the organization and the mobilization of those involved in education.

The Deputy Prefect of Ziguinchor, Modou Samb, accompanied by academic authorities and education stakeholders, conducted the traditional tour of examination centers. Following this tour, he expressed his satisfaction with the smooth running of the exams, noting a very low absenteeism rate: only eleven candidates were absent across the centers visited, and only one absence among the invigilating and marking staff. According to him, these figures reflect the effectiveness of the measures taken and the seriousness surrounding this session.

The Inspector of Education and Training for Ziguinchor, Ibrahima Khalil Sakho, highlighted the scale of the event: 7,052 candidates spread across 59 centers, including 3,552 girls and 3,500 boys. In the three centers supervised on this first day, 491 out of 502 registered candidates were present, representing an attendance rate of 97.8%, which the authorities deemed commendable. He also emphasized that the main concern was the weather, in a region known for its heavy rainfall. However, the first day of exams proceeded without any adverse weather conditions.

This 2026 edition is distinguished by notable innovations: the elimination of the entrance exam for sixth grade; the autonomy of examination centers in the administration and announcement of results; and the prior training of center directors and teachers through a mock CFEE exam and professional development days. These measures aim to strengthen the transparency and quality of marking, in order to guarantee students a fair and credible assessment.

Thus, the start of the CFEE 2026 in Ziguinchor demonstrates well-managed organization, exemplary mobilization of educational stakeholders, and a clear commitment to modernizing the process. Authorities express confidence in the continuation of the exams, which are scheduled to last ten days, and hope this momentum will continue until the results are announced.