Faced with growing security challenges and the imperative of sustainable development in the Sahel and along the coast, what role should local authorities play in guaranteeing stability and social cohesion? This question is at the heart of the fourth General Assembly of the Alliance of Local Authorities of the Sahel and the Coast (AAPL). Opened this Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Dakar, this summit, which continues until Wednesday the 21st, is marked by a historic turning point: the official accession of Senegal, Benin, and Togo.

Centered on the theme "Promoting Peace, Social Cohesion, and Security: Local Authorities Committed to Working Alongside the State," these meetings aim to anticipate crises by strengthening solidarity at the community level. Working in close coordination with central governments, local authorities are now establishing themselves as the first line of defense against the socio-economic and security inequalities in the sub-region.

The mayor, a key player in territorial vigilance

For the Association of Mayors of Senegal (AMS) and the Alliance, this conference illustrates the pivotal role of local elected officials in crisis governance. Oumar Ba, president of the AMS, emphasizes the importance of proximity: “The mayor is the first point of contact and the first to be informed. Managing security means controlling information and strengthening solidarity within communities. Peace and security are built from the ground up, through contact with the people.”

For his part, Mohamed Moustapha Mahmoud, president of the Alliance of Local Government Associations for Peace (AAPL), described the organization's expansion as "strategic." According to him, the contributions of Senegal, Benin, and Togo will be crucial in realizing hopes for stability and development through rigorous management of social cohesion.

Towards a strengthening of Act 3 of Decentralization in Senegal

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Urban Planning and Local Authorities, Harouna Ba emphasized the extreme vulnerability of certain areas, citing the tragic case of mayors kidnapped in Mali. He reaffirmed the Senegalese government's commitment to making decentralization a tool for national security.

In this regard, the government intends to deepen reforms to give more resources and autonomy to local governments. The objective is to transform municipalities into "strong relays of the State," ensuring seamless coordination between national policies and local realities.

By inviting other African nations to strengthen their decentralization processes, Senegal reaffirms its commitment to supporting local authorities in their role of crisis prevention. Through this initiative, territorial authorities are no longer simply administering; they are engaging in a partnership approach to secure territories and directly serve the people.