Barely a week ahead of the Islamic Organisation Conference (IOC) scheduled for March 8, 2008, Dakar, Senegal has reinforced its security set up in and around Dakar as well as other strategic areas such as Saly Portudal, where hundreds of guests are expected to be accommodated during the summit.

In a bid to ensure a complete and safe protection of its illustrious visitors amongst whom are heads of states, gulf monarchs and other government heads, Senegal has accepted the cooperation of its partners from France and the United Kingdom. French and English anti-terrorist experts have landed in Dakar over the past days. The local media in Dakar have disclosed that Egyptian security experts are also set to arrive before the commencement of the summit.

Recently, Senegal received a supply of top security equipments for the command post installed at Mamelles, a strategic location of Dakar's coasts that offers a complete surveillance of the capital city.

Another key step in reinforcing the security set up for the summit was the validation of new safety measures to be applied in and around Dakar's LÈopold SÈdar Senghor International Airport in Grand Yoff. A joint team of the country's top security apparatus officials led the task force that drafted the validated document.

It is believed that Senegal's main concern is to meet the pressing demands of many delegates from Arab IOC member countries who fear terrorist attacks on their leaders. The concern has come top in the agenda since the deadly attack in Senegal's neighbour Mauritania where suspected Al-Qaida militants recently killed four French nationals.

The initial findings of intelligence agencies in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, or Turkey were not favourable to Senegal. They noted "breaches" at Dakar's LÈopold SÈdar Senghor International Airport in terms of anti-terrorism protection. It is from these findings that Senegal sent elements of its police to the United Kingdom for one-month training in counter-terrorism. The trained personnel will ensure the safety in and around the airport.

Populations living in slums not far from the airport have been asked to vacate the area or face compulsory evacuation by security forces.

Meanwhile, citizens living or working in Saly Portudal, a resort area located 75km from Dakar where many guests will enjoy their rest, have been asked to acquire a special identification badge or risk severe control during the period of the summit.