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© http://www.forcesarmees.gouv.sn/ Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was officially installed in his duties by Air Force General (2S) Birame Diop, Minister of the Armed Forces, on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at Quartier Dial Diop, headquarters of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.  

Vice Admiral Oumar Wade has officially assumed his duties as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces following a formal installation ceremony held on 17 February 2026 at the Quartier Dial Diop, headquarters of Senegal’s military high command. The ceremony was presided over by Air Force General (2S) Birame Diop, Minister of the Armed Forces, and attended by senior military leadership, diplomatic representatives, and civilian authorities, underscoring the importance of the transition at the highest level of the country’s defence establishment.

A product of Senegal’s prestigious military education system, Admiral Wade began his journey at the Prytanée Militaire of Saint-Louis (class of 1981–1988). He entered active service in 1988 through the preparatory classes of the Prytanée Militaire of La Flèche in France, before joining the French Naval Academy in Brest in 1990. There, he graduated as an engineer with a specialization in energy and propulsion, laying the foundation for a career combining technical expertise with operational command.

Over the course of his service, Admiral Wade has held a wide range of technical and leadership roles within the Senegalese Navy. His assignments at sea and ashore provided him with in-depth experience in naval operations, maintenance, and command. His leadership capabilities led to his appointment as Chief of Staff of the Navy, a role in which he oversaw key aspects of maritime security and force development. He subsequently served as Chief of the Military Staff of the President of the Republic, a position of strategic importance involving direct advisory responsibilities on defence and national security matters. In parallel, he chaired the National Border Management Commission, contributing to the coordination of policies related to border security and territorial integrity.

Recognized for his service, Admiral Wade has been awarded the distinction of Commander in the National Order of the Lion, one of Senegal’s highest honours. During the ceremony, he received the Command pennant from the Minister of the Armed Forces, symbolizing the official transfer of authority.

In his address, Minister Birame Diop highlighted the personal and professional qualities that define Admiral Wade’s career—authority, discipline, rigor, and fairness—emphasizing their importance in leading the Armed Forces in an evolving security environment. Delivering his first official message, Order of the Day No. 1, Admiral Wade outlined his vision and strategic priorities, setting the tone for his tenure as he takes command of Senegal’s armed forces at a time of regional and global security challenges.