The first annual hike organized by the Defense and Security Forces took place on February 14, 2026, at the Liberté 6 Penal Camp in Dakar, under the theme: "Brotherhood in Arms through Sport." Led by the Directorate General of Penitentiary Administration, in partnership with Military Zone No. 1, the initiative brought together military personnel, paramilitaries, and institutional partners in a spirit of unity and solidarity.

At the opening, the Director General of the Penitentiary Administration, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, commended the strong mobilization of the various components of the Defense and Security Forces. He highlighted the commitment of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the decisive involvement of the command of Military Zone No. 1, which initiated this dynamic intended to be sustained, with the organization of bimonthly hikes bringing together the forces based in the capital.

Beyond the symbolic aspect, the Director General emphasized the strategic importance of sport in the defense and security sectors. A factor in physical fitness, a tool for stress management, and a means of pushing personal limits, sport also serves as a powerful catalyst for cohesion. "The brotherhood of arms rests on camaraderie, mutual support, and trust," he stressed, emphasizing the need to cultivate these values to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the forces. He also commended the active role of the sports associations of the Armed Forces, the Police, and Customs, veritable breeding grounds for talent and healthy competition.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Clément Chrysogone Nasalan, Commander of Military Zone No. 1 and Deputy Commanding Officer of the Dakar garrison, emphasized the profound significance of this collective march. For him, marching together is not merely a physical exercise: it is about getting to know one another, strengthening interpersonal bonds, and moving towards a common goal.

At the end of the seven-kilometer run, he commended the participants for their commitment and exemplary discipline. He expressed his gratitude to the General Directorate of Penitentiary Administration for the quality of the organization, achieved within tight deadlines, and reaffirmed his commitment to making this initiative a regular event.

By bringing together the various components of the Defense and Security Forces around a shared effort, this hike inaugurates a new dynamic of inter-force cooperation. More than a sporting activity, it embodies a common ambition: to consolidate unity, discipline, and trust in service to the Nation.