Under the theme: “the role of the defense and security forces in the management of pandemics and other disasters”, the 60th anniversary of the independence of Senegal will be commemorated in the most sober of ways, by taking up arms in Palace of the Republic, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 5th takeover for 10 years.
Point of festivities for the sixtieth anniversary of the independence of Senegal, this Saturday, April 4, 2020. The President of the Republic, at least the Covid-19, decided to do so. Indeed, because of the pandemic and the state of emergency, the sixtieth anniversary of independence is organized in the form of a color-lifting ceremony, on April 04, 2020, at 10 a.m., in the courtyard of honor of the Palace of the Republic. “The ceremony will consist of an arms take-off followed by the national anthem in the presence of the Minister of the Armed Forces and the military authorities,” said the press release.
Two forms of weapons
Ceremonial military, the taking of arms consists of a gathering of soldiers carrying their individual weapons which intervenes on the order of the competent authority and takes place according to a solemn protocol determined in advance. There are two forms of take-over: one, static (no troop movement) and taking place in a military hold. It was then intended for the recognition of a new corps commander or for the presentation of a decoration to soldiers.
When the taking of arms commemorates a historic event (Independence Day) or honors a public figure, it takes place on a public thoroughfare or in a prestigious civil or military enclosure (Palace of the Republic for example).
This April 4, 2020, will be even less solemn. Because it will be a simple ’’ simple ’’ taking up of arms followed by a raising of colors in the presence of senior officers of the defense and security forces. This is to comply with the ban on assembly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015
Taking up arms is not an unprecedented situation in Senegal since in the last ten years, the Independence Day has been commemorated 5 times by taking up arms instead of the traditional civil-military parade . In 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015, taking up arms was mandatory, either for security or economic reasons.
Source: Kewoulou / By Mariama Dramé Intern
