Under the patronage of Papa Amadou Diagne, the Pink October event organised by the women of the Kiiraay movement in Bambey brought together an array of political and religious figures. Between a stirring call for breast cancer screening, a plea for better medical equipment and a rallying of the troops for the presidential party, the event lived up to all its promises.

By Justin GOMIS – The town of Bambey was alive with solidarity and civic engagement. On the occasion of the Pink October celebration, led by the women of Kiiraay under the patronage of Mr Papa Amadou Diagne, the popular mobilisation was total. Beyond the health cause, the gathering quickly took on the air of a political show of strength, illustrating the patron’s local roots and his capacity to bring people together.

A stirring plea for women’s health

Taking the floor, Mr Papa Amadou Diagne placed public health at the heart of priorities. Stressing the crucial importance of prevention, he issued a strong and unanimous call for the early screening of breast cancer. In the same vein, the patron made an urgent plea for the acquisition of modern mammography equipment for the Bambey Health District. A step forward deemed essential to bring healthcare facilities closer to local people and spare women long and difficult journeys.

A gathering marked by unity and gratitude

The ceremony was marked by powerful moments of communion and respect for local traditions. Mr Diagne expressed his deep gratitude to Serigne Makhfouss Mbacké, who honoured the event by sending his son, Serigne Khadim Mbacké, thereby bearing witness to the enduring close ties that bound the two families, notably the memory of the late Assane Diagne.

The event also paid tribute to the commitment of leading figures in the region. Mr Diagne paid homage to Mrs Mimi Touré, General Supervisor, and to Serigne Aliou Penda Diouf, Departmental Coordinator of Kiiraay, for the titanic work accomplished on the ground. He also hailed the strong turnout of local elected officials, citing the mayors Modou Sarr Ndiaye (Baba Garage), Assane Ndiaye (Lambaye) and Ndongo Faye (Gawane), as well as the notable participation of the director of the Crous of Bambey. Congratulations went straight to Ngouye Fama Faye, president of the Kiiraay women in Bambey, for the perfect success of the event.

Political offensive and electoral prospects

Taking advantage of this great platform, politics was not left out. Papa Amadou Diagne called for a general remobilisation and for the presidential party to expand its base in the department. In a gesture of strategic openness, he solemnly invited El Hadj Dia, an influential and respected figure in the area, to swell the ranks of the presidential camp. Turning to development projects, the patron warmly thanked the Head of State for delivering a major infrastructure project: the completion of the road linking Touba Toul to Baba Garage, and then to Bambey. He concluded his speech by reaffirming his firm ambition to unite all local energies in order to give the President of the Republic a resounding and decisive victory at the forthcoming elections.

justin@lequotidien.sn