Teacher deficit and student discontent
Yesterday, the students of Faoune, supported by those of Cem Mamadou Mané and Lycée Balla Moussa Daffé, demonstrated against what they describe as “looting” of their establishments. They denounce in particular the departure of key professors in mathematics, life and earth sciences, and history and geography to this center of excellence. This transfer, although justified by the academic authorities, has serious consequences on the local education system, already weakened by a chronic lack of trainers, accentuated at the end of each school year by national changes.
Demonstrations and incidents in Faoune
During the march of the Faoune students, the situation degenerated. The demonstrators dislodged their classmates from neighboring establishments before trying to reach an elementary school, causing an incident on National Route 4, near Faoune. A Ziguinchor bus, trying to avoid a parked motorcycle, almost hit demonstrators, causing panic among local residents.
The Bounkiling gendarmerie intervened to disperse the crowd using tear gas grenades, arresting around ten students and the Principal of Cem de Faoune, who had come to negotiate their release. This escalation aroused the indignation of teachers, who denounced the arrest of young students, some aged under 18.
A weakened education system
According to teachers contacted by Le Quotidien, these assignments, although carried out in a formal framework, highlight the structural flaws of the education system in Sédhiou. A particularly vulnerable region, where the departure of a teacher can disrupt an entire establishment.
Students and teachers are calling on the authorities to find solutions to compensate for these departures, while guaranteeing a fair distribution of human resources in the education sector.
