Senegal minister and union chief clash over July general strike

Union leader Mody Guiro, secretary‑general of the Confederation of Senegalese Workers, defended the legality of the July 10 general strike, saying the notice filed complied with Senegalese labour law and rejecting any threats from the government. He criticised Minister of Public Service, Labour and Public Service Reform Mamadou Lamine Dianté for a hard‑line stance and urged the minister to drop all intimidation of workers.

Minister Dianté acknowledged that the strike took place but said it did not halt the country's administration, noting that most public services continued operating except for a few health facilities and a handful of private firms. He called for renewed dialogue with trade‑union centres and warned that workers participating in strikes at private companies without an officially declared collective dispute could face disciplinary action. The government emphasized applying existing regulations firmly while seeking a negotiated solution to workers' demands.