T. DIAKHATE Drone Arrest: Azalaï Point-E Operation Violates ANACIM Ban

• T. DIAKHATE, an IMAG'IN producer, was arrested on November 1 for flying a drone without authorization over Hôtel Azalaï in Dakar.
• He was working on a commercial project for ALI BABA and claimed he thought the hotel was not covered by drone restrictions.
• The arrest occurred during an ANACIM drone ban, effective October 29 to November 14, around ongoing JOJ Dakar 2026 sites.
• The ban, signed October 27, prohibits drone flights within a five-kilometer radius of designated areas.
• The incident highlights strict enforcement of Senegal's drone regulations during the JOJ Dakar 2026.

This incident underscores the critical necessity for individuals and companies to thoroughly verify and secure all requisite flight authorizations from the appropriate authorities, irrespective of their perceived understanding of specific location exemptions.

A 38-year-old audiovisual producer, T. DIAKHATE, was taken into custody at the Point-E police station on Sunday, November 1, at approximately 3:10 PM, following an unauthorized drone operation. The arrest was initiated by an officer from the Video Surveillance Center after DIAKHATE reportedly flew a drone over the Hôtel Azalaï. DIAKHATE, who identifies as a producer for the IMAG’IN agency located in Ouagou Niayes 2, was engaged by Éditions limitées, an agency based in Mamelles, to document an event for the ALI BABA organization. His assignment involved creating a photo album and souvenir videos, requiring aerial footage.

During questioning by police officials, T. DIAKHATE acknowledged that he did not possess the required authorization for the drone flight. He explicitly stated that he believed the Hôtel Azalaï was not subject to the existing drone flight prohibitions, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the regulatory scope. This incident, involving a professional working on a commercial project, highlights the stringent enforcement of aerial regulations in the region, particularly concerning sensitive locations and ongoing major events.

The incident involving T. DIAKHATE occurred within a period of heightened drone flight restrictions implemented by the National Agency of Civil Aviation and Meteorology (ANACIM). These measures, which prohibit drone operations around sites designated for the ongoing JOJ Dakar 2026, were formally signed by ANACIM’s Director General on October 27. The ban became effective on October 29 and is slated to remain in force until November 14.

The directive establishes a five-kilometer exclusion zone around several key areas, underscoring a proactive approach to security in anticipation of the youth Olympic games. To ensure widespread awareness and compliance, the circular note detailing these restrictions was disseminated to various critical entities, including the ASECNA representation in Senegal, the National Police, and the High Command of the National Gendarmerie.

This arrest serves as a clear indication of Senegal's commitment to enforcing its drone regulations, especially during significant international events like the JOJ Dakar 2026. The case of T. DIAKHATE, an IMAG'IN producer, demonstrates that even professionals undertaking commercial assignments must meticulously adhere to the established legal framework for drone operations. His assertion that he thought the Hôtel Azalaï was exempt from the ban did not prevent his apprehension, emphasizing that personal interpretations of regulations are not a defense against non-compliance.

The rigorous application of ANACIM's drone ban around sensitive sites in Dakar sends a strong message to all operators, including those in media production and event management. This incident underscores the critical necessity for individuals and companies to thoroughly verify and secure all requisite flight authorizations from the appropriate authorities, irrespective of their perceived understanding of specific location exemptions. Failure to do so can lead to immediate legal repercussions, including arrest and potential penalties, as evidenced by the Hôtel Azalaï drone incident.

This incident underscores the strict enforcement of ANACIM's drone flight restrictions around sensitive sites in Senegal, particularly in the lead-up to major events like JOJ Dakar 2026. Legal professionals must advise clients, especially those in media production or event management, to meticulously verify and obtain all necessary flight authorizations to avoid arrests and legal penalties, even if they believe a specific location is exempt.

Source: Reporting based on local Senegalese news outlets.