A 72-hour general strike began in Senegal on Wednesday. Ten trade union confederations called the action. They are demanding action on purchasing power, dismissals, and implementing agreements. The strike runs from 21 to 23 October. It comes 11 days before the Youth Olympic Games open in Dakar.
Senegal faces economic pressure. Public debt reached 132 per cent of GDP at the end of 2024. The government signed a social stability pact with unions. It says 71 per cent of the commitments are fulfilled. Unions disagree. They say purchasing power has fallen. They cite arbitrary dismissals in state companies. The Front syndical pour la défense du travail leads the action. It includes 13 unions across education, health, higher education, electricity and local government.
The FSDT is demanding the reinstatement of dismissed workers. It wants a 100,000 CFA housing allowance for contract workers. It wants 3,700 health workers recruited. Seven teachers’ unions called a total strike on the same dates. Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô asked unions on 15 October to suspend the strike for three months. They refused. Nine ministers held a press conference on 19 October on the social climate. About 150 people marched in Dakar on 20 October. Schools were deserted. Health centres reported fewer patients. Electricity workers honoured the strike despite orders to return to work. Dakar Dem Dikk bus drivers stayed home. The state deployed soldiers to drive buses.
Winners: The unions, which assert leverage. Workers, if demands are met. The FSDT, which shows coordination. Losers: Students, who miss classes. Patients, who face reduced services. The government, whose social pact is rejected. The Youth Olympic Games organisers, who face disruption. The economy, which absorbs lost productivity. Taxpayers, if wage demands require more borrowing.
Bottom Line: Senegal’s unions shut down the country for 72 hours. They want housing allowances, health workers and reinstated jobs. The government wants a truce before the Youth Olympics. The unions refused. The debt is high. The patience is low. The strike will test both sides. The Games will proceed. The grievances will remain.