Senegalese activist accuses French media of denigrating the YOG
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Senegalese activist Pape Abdoulaye Touré has accused some French media outlets of tarnishing Senegal’s image by criticising accommodation for delegations at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games. He cited, in particular, the lack of air conditioning in some rooms and compared the criticism with conditions at the Paris 2024 Games, according to Senego.
Senegalese activist Pape Abdoulaye Touré has accused some Western media outlets, particularly French ones, of denigrating Senegal in their coverage of accommodation for delegations at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). He criticised them for focusing on reports about places with no direct connection to the competitions rather than on the infrastructure and venues dedicated to the Games, in a statement shared with Senego on Monday.
Pape Abdoulaye Touré cited criticism of the lack of air conditioning in some rooms, the use of fans, the heat and the comfort of the beds. He compared these comments with the accommodation conditions for some athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where cardboard beds were used, according to Senego.
The activist placed the controversy within a broader critique of the historical relations between Africa and Western powers. He attributed the continent’s development difficulties in particular to the slave trade, colonisation and neocolonialism, and said France could not lecture Senegal, reports Senego.
The comments came after the opening of the Dakar 2026 YOG, which notably featured a performance by Baba Maal and messages of support for Senegalese young people from Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, according to posts already published.
