Senegal aims to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping operations and promote their access to command positions within the armed forces, according to the Minister of the Armed
Forces, Yankhoba Dieme, on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening of a conference on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Minister advocated for greater integration of women into defence and security policies.
This resolution, adopted in 2000, enshrines the role of women in conflict prevention, peace processes, and post-conflict reconstruction. Its implementation within the Senegalese Armed Forces should, in particular, strengthen their participation in peacekeeping missions and their access to positions of responsibility.
Minister Dieme recalled that this commitment had also been reaffirmed during his mission to the United Nations headquarters in New York on October 26.
He had then emphasised the need to value women’s skills in collective security missions. For the Minister, the presence of women in the military institution goes beyond the mere question of equality. It also constitutes a recognition of their professionalism, courage, and contribution to national defence.
He commended the commitment of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, and the High Command to this initiative, which he hopes will become a lasting feature of military practices and operations.
Under the authority of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Senegal is reaffirming its commitment to more inclusive armed forces that reflect
national values.
TE/fss/as/APA