Faced with a shortage of human resources in prisons, the Directorate General of Prison Administration (DGAP) has announced a massive recruitment campaign for 2026. More than 400 new agents are expected to strengthen staff and optimize the care of prisoners.

The staff shortage in Senegalese prisons is about to find a concrete solution. During a visit this Friday to the 33rd edition of the Dakar International Fair (FIDAK), Inspector Aliou Ciss, Director General of the Penitentiary Administration, unveiled the reinforcement plan for 2026.

"The staff shortage is a reality, especially since we have gone two years without recruitment. For 2026, we are hopeful," said the CEO, confirming that the recruitment of more than 400 people is already planned.

Modernization and decongestion: The use of electronic bracelets

Beyond human capital, Inspector Aliou Ciss discussed technological tools designed to improve prison population management, particularly electronic tagging. While this tool is a key solution for reducing overcrowding in prisons, the Director General emphasized the limitations of its application: "This tool will contribute to reducing overcrowding, but it's important to clarify that not everyone can benefit from it. Its use is subject to clearly defined legal criteria."

FIDAK: A showcase of the history and missions of the administration

Present at FIDAK since 1954, the institution is taking advantage of this 33rd edition, themed "Territorial Transformation and Inclusive Development," to open itself up to the general public. For Aliou Ciss, this event is an opportunity "to present the prison administration in all its components and to trace its history, from its creation to the present day."

Inspector Ciss particularly emphasized the changing missions of his administration. While security remains paramount, the social reintegration of prisoners now occupies a central place in the State's strategy.

“We have a dual mission: to ensure security, but also to prepare the social reintegration of prisoners,” he stated. In this regard, visitors to FIDAK were able to discover products from vocational training workshops, as well as the results of industrial and agricultural activities carried out within the prison facilities.

With this massive recruitment and the modernization of its management tools, the prison administration is showing a clear willingness to meet the challenges of prison overcrowding and post-prison reintegration.