An act that borders on “political purge”
These massive layoffs do not only concern Kaolack. The other CROUSs in the country, such as those of Saint-Louis, Thiès, Bambey and the COUD (Centre for University Works of Dakar), also seem ready to follow suit. The unions, in particular those of the PATS (Administrative, technical and service personnel) and the PER (Teaching-researcher personnel), denounce a form of political purge orchestrated by the regime in place.
These workers, whatever their political side, are above all Senegalese citizens. Yet they are dismissed in what is seen as an effort to paint institutions with the political colors of the ruling party. This phenomenon goes against the principle of state continuity, which guarantees the stability and neutrality of public institutions, regardless of political changes.
A threat to social and political stability
If political logic takes precedence over competence and stability in public institutions, Senegalese democracy could be seriously shaken. The continuity of the State, a fundamental principle of the Republic, is jeopardized when each regime that is established poaches and hires according to political affinities.
Such a drift risks further polarizing the social climate, increasing tensions and exacerbating frustrations. Some observers even fear that such political management of public jobs could ultimately lead to more serious social unrest.
Students and teachers in battle order
The government is under pressure in the face of the crisis plaguing the university work centers (CROUS) where workers are falling to the ground. They denounce what they describe as a “precarious and arbitrary situation”.
Tensions around unfair dismissals in Senegal’s work centers are taking on a new dimension. After the dismissed workers, it is now the students and teachers of higher education who are mobilizing to denounce management deemed “chaotic and politicized”. Faced with rising protests, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation is trying to pick up the pieces, while Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko works to ease tensions.
The rise of the protest
At the universities of Dakar, Saint-Louis, Thiès, Bambey and Kaolack, it’s fed up. Apart from the staff, the students express their solidarity with the dismissed workers. They denounce management which endangers essential services, such as catering and accommodation, while weakening the already precarious living conditions of students.
Teachers, for their part, are worried about the repercussions of this crisis on academic stability. They believe that massive layoffs and strikes by technical staff risk compromising the academic year. In recent days, calls for strikes and demonstrations have been launched, raising the threat of a total blockage of the university system.
A government under pressure
Aware of the seriousness of the situation, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation is stepping up initiatives to try to calm things down. Emergency meetings, with trade unionists, rectors, Directors or representatives of the CROUS, were called by the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
However, these efforts are perceived as insufficient by the actors concerned, who demand concrete measures, in particular the reinstatement of dismissed workers and guarantees on the neutrality of university institutions.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who often wants to be close to popular concerns, strives to play mediator. Traveling to St. Louis, he met with union and student representatives, calling for appeasement and promising a thorough investigation into the firings. “We cannot let this situation compromise the future of our young people and the stability of our country,” he said.
A crisis with hints of political repercussions
This crisis goes beyond the academic framework and highlights deeper tensions within Senegalese society. Accusations of political purges and partisan management of public jobs fuel a climate of distrust towards the government.
For the opposition, this situation illustrates the failure of current governance to respect the republican principles of continuity of the State and neutrality of institutions. Trade unionists and certain political leaders do not hesitate to describe these dismissals as a “witch hunt” and call for national mobilization to defend workers’ rights and preserve social stability.
What future for Senegalese universities?
While the situation remains tense, priority must be given to a rapid and fair resolution of this crisis. CROUS students, teachers and staff are waiting for concrete answers from the authorities.
In this context, the capacity of the government, and in particular of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, to manage this crisis could have major implications on the political and social stability of the country. If lasting solutions are not found, there is a real risk of tensions spreading to other sectors.
In the meantime, Senegalese universities, once bastions of knowledge and stability, find themselves at the heart of a crisis that could redefine the relationship between power, institutions and citizens.
Call for collective responsibility
CROUS unions and workers, notably those of Kaolack, Saint-Louis, Thiès, Bambey and COUD, are mobilizing to face this situation. They demand explanations, defend their rights and fight against any attempt at political manipulation of public institutions.
Faced with this bombshell situation, the government must take its responsibilities by guaranteeing neutrality and fairness in the management of public jobs.
The stability of the country depends on it, because public institutions must not become tools at the service of a party or a regime.
These “unfair” dismissals are an alarming signal. The authorities must know that the University is Senegal in miniature.
If nothing is done, these acts could not only destabilize thousands of families, but also compromise social peace and the very foundations of democracy in Senegal.
Consequences of unfair dismissals
The effects of these layoffs are not limited to the professional sphere. They directly impact the lives of hundreds of families, destroy hopes and erode trust in public institutions. Making an individual lose their job is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially when it is based on fallacious and demagogic reasons.
Every job cut means less income, a family in distress, children without support, and hopes dashed. Dismissed workers find themselves without any guarantee or support, in an already difficult economic context.
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