Senegalese trade unionist Mademba Sock died in Paris, where he had been hospitalized for some time, according to information from our colleagues at Dakaractu. Mademba Sock, who was the President of the Board of Directors (PCA) of the Social Security Fund and Secretary General (SG) of the UNSAS union, left an indelible mark on the union landscape of Senegal.
Born in 1959, Mademba Sock distinguished himself in the 1990s as Secretary General of the Single Union of Electricity Workers (SUTELEC). His influence quickly expanded when he also took over as head of the National Union of Autonomous Unions of Senegal (UNSAS). During his tenure at SUTELEC, he was at the center of several significant conflicts, including the 1998 strike, which led to a national blackout and his imprisonment for six months. Despite these challenges, he continued to play a crucial role in defending workers’ rights, notably opposing the privatization of SENELEC.
After 27 years at the head of SUTELEC, Mademba Sock left her position in 2018, giving way to Habib Aidara. He justified his departure by his advanced age and the need to renew the union leadership with younger figures. In addition to his activities within SUTELEC, Mademba Sock was also president of the West African Workers’ Organization (OTAO). Under his leadership, he sought to reinvigorate the West African labor movement by focusing on emerging worker concerns and economic challenges in the region.
#Senegal
