The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly organized a workshop in Dakar on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, on "Emerging Drugs in Senegal: Challenges and Implications for Youth and Security Forces."
The workshop was held as part of Senegal's National Week of Awareness and Mobilization against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, launched on 19 June. It brought together representatives of the Government of Senegal, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations system, defence and security forces, civil society organizations, health professionals, and young people from across the country.
Against the backdrop of evolving patterns of drug use and trafficking in West Africa, participants examined the challenges posed by emerging psychoactive substances and the circulation of drugs such as kush, tramadol, ecstasy and fentanyl, which pose growing threats to public health, security and social cohesion. Discussions also focused on appropriate responses, including strengthening prevention efforts, enhancing cooperation between young people and security forces, sharing experiences, and identifying innovative and inclusive approaches to addressing drug use and trafficking.
The discussions also highlighted the regional dimensions of the phenomenon. Beyond its public health consequences, drug trafficking fuels criminal networks and illicit financial flows, further exacerbating instability in a region already facing multiple security challenges. Participants underscored the need for a collective response involving public authorities, security forces, health professionals, civil society and young people.
Opening the workshop, Commissioner Idrissa Cissé, Coordinator of the Interministerial Committee on Drug Control (CILD), representing the Government of Senegal; Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel; Ms. Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa; and Mr. Jean Abossuwè Anade of ECOWAS stressed the importance of a coordinated response to the emergence of new drugs. They emphasized the critical role of prevention, stronger cooperation among stakeholders and collective action to protect young people and address the security, public health and social implications of this growing challenge.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants called for stronger community-based prevention through increased awareness of the dangers of drugs, the promotion of positive behaviours, and greater investment in alternatives such as sports, culture and entrepreneurship. They also recommended greater involvement of families, community leaders and young people through an intergenerational approach, while strengthening support services and the social reintegration of affected individuals. Participants further emphasized the importance of building lasting trust between young people and security forces through regular dialogue, joint community activities and mechanisms that foster sustained engagement and close cooperation.
All participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to protect young people and promote innovative, inclusive and sustainable responses to emerging forms of drug trafficking and drug use.
