At the end of its coverage of the Grand Magal of Touba 2025, the National Fire Brigade expressed its gratitude to the Senegalese media outlets. In an official message dated August 15, 2025, Commander Yatma Dieye, Head of the Information and Public Relations Division, extended his "sincere congratulations and sincere thanks" to all media outlets for their "valuable collaboration."

An exemplary partnership praised

The firefighters' communications manager particularly highlighted the professionalism, rigor, and sense of duty demonstrated by journalists during this 2025 edition of Magal. According to him, this commitment made it possible to "highlight the titanic work accomplished by the firefighters."

"Your commitment has helped enhance our efforts on the ground, ensure reliable and responsible information sharing, raise awareness of road safety, and prevent the risk of stampedes, fires, and other emergencies," Commander Dieye emphasized in his message.

An essential role in the security system

The National Fire Brigade acknowledges that the media "played a vital role in the success of the security and prevention measures put in place" during the Grand Magal. This collaboration between emergency services and the press enabled the effective dissemination of prevention messages and increased public awareness of the risks.

The official message states that the journalists were able to "accurately relay the messages and actions" of the firefighters, thus contributing to the overall success of the operation to secure the pilgrimage.

The press, "fourth estate" and "temple of knowledge"

In a lyrical flourish, Commander Dieye refers to Honoré de Balzac, who stated in 1840 that "the press constituted a fourth estate." He praises the role of the Senegalese media, which has done "much more: a true temple of knowledge, where information enlightens consciences, where truth guides our steps, and where the pen, guided by professionalism and rigor, serves duty brilliantly."

A poetic tribute to the journalistic profession

The message concludes with a poetic tribute to the profession of journalism: "Enlightened press, sentinel that raises us up,

Herald of truth, messenger of knowledge,

Your word crosses walls and fortresses,

To raise souls to the heights of glory.

By the brilliance of your pen, the bowed one rises,

And peace is reborn in the very heart of duty,

Every word you sow, no wind harms it,

For it bears in its ink eternal glory."