April 4 is a big day for the people of Senegal as April 4 marks the day that their nation became independent. For the longest time, Senegal was occupied by the country of France after it gained it as a main slave trade area against other European Countries. However, after centuries of struggling and fighting for their freedom, along with the changing political climate in France and Europe, they were allowed to become a republic in 1960.
As of 2023, it marks 63 years since Senegal gained its independence from France. The U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken gave an early celebration statement to Senegal back on March 31, it reads:
On behalf of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to President Sall and the people of Senegal as you celebrate 63 years of independence.
On this national day, we reaffirm the close bonds between Senegal and the United States. Our partnership is one rooted in the shared ideals of democracy, security, and economic prosperity, and we greatly value Senegal’s leadership and commitment to ensuring regional stability through its substantial contributions to peacekeeping operations around the globe. My conversations with President Sall at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit on the full range of pressing issues – food and health security, climate, elevating African voices in matters of global governance, and pushing back against democratic backsliding in Africa – underscore the depth and breadth of the U.S.-Senegal friendship. We look forward to deepening our partnership in these areas in the coming months. I extend to all Senegalese my best wishes for health and prosperity in the year ahead.
Senegal celebrates this day of independence through the use of parades and festivities for everyone to enjoy such as dancing and listening to Senegalese Mbalax music and they also hold a national flag-raising ceremony in their capital city of Dakar.
Senegal is also celebrating their Independence Day with a military parade. This will mark the first time in four years that Senegal will have a military parade on their Independence Day, it’s not been done in the past four years due to the Covid-19 outbreak along with political tensions.
