Security guard services
Security Guard Services in Senegal
In Dakar, corporate headquarters, banks and government offices are concentrated in the Plateau, while upscale retail, hotels and residences are located in Almadies, Ngor, Mermoz and around the Sea Plaza shopping center on the Corniche Ouest. The Diamniadio urban hub is home to new offices and public facilities, and the Petite Côte, around Saly, concentrates tourism activity.
Security Considerations in Senegal
A program in Senegal most often covers offices and branches in the Plateau, boutiques and residences in the western districts of Dakar, and sometimes sites in Diamniadio or on the Petite Côte. The program applies the same Post Orders, the same supervision and the same reporting format at every site. French is the working language of business and Wolof is spoken everywhere; English is requested at hotels and boutiques that serve an international clientele.
The tourist season runs from November to May on the Petite Côte and in Casamance, and the major religious holidays, notably Tabaski and the end of Ramadan, change store traffic and staff availability. Coverage plans should include relief officers, seasonal reinforcement, procedures for extreme heat at exterior posts and coordination with shopping center and building security.
- Dakar Plateau
- Avenue Georges Pompidou
- Almadies
- Ngor
- Mermoz
- Point E
- Sea Plaza
- Corniche Ouest
- Sacré-Cœur
- Diamniadio urban hub
- Saly
How Coverage Works in Senegal
McCray designs the program, and officers follow McCray Post Orders.
How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Senegal
In Senegal, surveillance, guarding and the escort of private property are subject to prior authorization under Law No. 78-40 of July 6, 1978, with conditions set by Decree No. 2003-447 of June 23, 2003. On February 18, 2026, the National Assembly adopted Bill No. 03/2026 on private security activities, which is intended to replace the 1978 law and create a dedicated regulatory authority.
Competent authority: Ministry of the Interior and Public Security (Ministère de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique). The office responsible for issuing authorizations has not been confirmed to date, and the name of the future regulatory authority provided for in the 2026 bill is not yet known. interieur.gouv.sn
Agency Licensing
Opening and operating a surveillance, guarding or private property escort business is subject to prior authorization (Law No. 78-40), under conditions set by decree, currently Decree No. 2003-447. The 1978 law also prohibits private detective work. Failure to comply with these rules is punishable by 2 to 6 months of imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 francs. According to the press, the 2026 bill covers guarding, escort of property, close protection and video surveillance, and creates a regulatory authority responsible for issuing approvals, inspecting companies and imposing penalties.
According to the press (Seneweb), the 2026 bill limits the use of force by private officers to self-defense. No source consulted confirms rules on the carrying of firearms by officers.
Sources
- Vie Publique Senegal: Law No. 1978/40 of July 6, 1978 on private police activities and prior authorization
- Vie Publique Senegal: law record on private police activities and prior authorization (legislative history)
- Vie Publique Senegal: Official Journal (Journal Officiel) No. 6136 of November 29, 2003 (index lists Decree No. 2003-447)
- Le Soleil: Private security in Senegal, the State regulates the sector (Feb 19, 2026)
- Seneweb: What the bill to regulate private security companies contains
- Ndarinfo: Senegal establishes an oversight body for private security
- Ministry of the Interior and Public Security of Senegal (official site)
Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulatory authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last updated November 2026.
Cities in Senegal
- Dakar
- Diamniadio
- Thiès
- Saly
- Mbour
- Saint-Louis
- Touba
- Ziguinchor
Coverage in other cities, including Kaolack, Cap Skirring and Richard-Toll, is arranged on request.
Regions of Senegal
- Dakar
- Diourbel
- Fatick
- Kaffrine
- Kaolack
- Kédougou
- Kolda
- Louga
- Matam
- Saint-Louis
- Sédhiou
- Tambacounda
- Thiès
- Ziguinchor
Frequently Asked Questions
What Languages Do the Officers Speak?
All officers speak French and most speak Wolof. For upscale boutiques, hotels and corporate reception desks, officers with working English are assigned, and the required level is set in the Post Orders for each site.
See the Africa overview for other countries.
Talk to Us About Coverage in Senegal
Call (833) 832-6647 or request an assessment online.