SAMES Strike Senegal: Legality of Requisitions Questioned

• The Syndicat Autonome des Médecins, Pharmaciens et Chirurgiens-Dentistes du Sénégal (SAMES) is currently on a nationwide strike.
• SAMES leaders, including Dr. Diabel Dramé, accuse state authorities of stalled negotiations and inaction since July 10, 2026.
• The union demands a special status for medical personnel, immediate post-training recruitment, democratic human resource management, and a career plan.
• SAMES condemns the arbitrary dismissal of its COUD section's Secretary General, vowing national and international legal action for alleged anti-union repression.
• The union firmly states it will not recognize any requisition that fails to comply with legal procedures, warning officials against participation in what it calls an "illegal forfeiture."

The Syndicat Autonome des Médecins, Pharmaciens et Chirurgiens-Dentistes du Sénégal (SAMES) has unequivocally stated its refusal to acknowledge any requisition order that does not strictly adhere to established legal procedures.

The Syndicat Autonome des Médecins, Pharmaciens et Chirurgiens-Dentistes du Sénégal (SAMES) initiated a nationwide strike on Wednesday, with union leaders subsequently holding a press conference to voice their strong disapproval of state authorities. Dr. Diabel Dramé, the Secretary General of SAMES, highlighted the protracted nature of the dispute, noting that their platform and strike notice were first submitted on July 10, 2026. Despite this, SAMES reports a consistent pattern of silence, contempt, and dilatory tactics from the government.

Three negotiation meetings have reportedly failed to yield any resolution, a situation SAMES deeply regrets. Dr. Dramé expressed the union's disappointment regarding the authorities' passivity in finding solutions, even after "explicative meetings" were held at the High Council of Social Dialogue and the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology at UCAD. He stressed that achieving social appeasement in the health sector necessitates a genuine response to health workers' concerns, rather than "inexplicable tenacity" or "manifest nonchalance" from officials. The core demands of SAMES include the creation of a special status for medical personnel, the immediate recruitment of doctors, pharmacists, and dental surgeons upon completing their training, the democratic management of human resources, and the implementation of a comprehensive career plan.

Beyond the broader strike, SAMES has also opened a new front against the management of the Centre des Œuvres Universitaires de Dakar (COUD), accusing it of engaging in "répression syndicale COUD." Dr. Dramé vehemently condemned what he described as the "unacceptable, arbitrary and anti-union attitude" of the COUD's leadership. This accusation stems from the arbitrary dismissal of the Secretary General of the SAMES Section at COUD, an act the union deems an "illegal forfeiture" reminiscent of a bygone era. SAMES is demanding the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of their colleague, vowing to pursue legal recourse at both national and international levels to address this alleged anti-union repression.

This incident underscores a wider concern regarding the "droit de grève fonction publique Sénégal" and the state's approach to labor disputes. SAMES asserts that the government's increasing reliance on "réquisitions médecins Sénégal" during strikes is an attempt to strip healthcare workers of their fundamental right to industrial action. The union views these requisitions as a direct challenge to the very essence of their ability to advocate for their members' rights and improve working conditions, effectively leaving them with no remaining leverage as workers.

The Syndicat Autonome des Médecins, Pharmaciens et Chirurgiens-Dentistes du Sénégal (SAMES) has unequivocally stated its refusal to acknowledge any requisition order that does not strictly adhere to established legal procedures. This firm position highlights the critical issue of "SAMES strike Senegal requisitions legality," as the union believes the state is overstepping its bounds and undermining the "droit de grève fonction publique Sénégal." SAMES has issued a stern warning, holding any head of service, director, or chief physician accountable should they participate in what the union considers an "illegal forfeiture" by enforcing non-compliant requisitions.

This stance signals a potential for significant legal challenges if the government continues to issue requisitions without strict adherence to the law. SAMES's declaration serves as a clear message to both state authorities and individual healthcare managers: compliance with legal protocols for requisitions is paramount, and any deviation will be met with strong opposition and potential legal action. The union is determined to protect its members' right to strike and ensure that any state intervention respects the legal framework governing public sector labor relations.

Lawyers advising healthcare institutions or the Senegalese government should be aware of the SAMES's strong stance on the legality of requisitions during strikes and the potential for legal challenges if procedures are not strictly followed. Compliance officers in public health sectors must review their strike management protocols to ensure adherence to labor laws and avoid actions that could be construed as anti-union repression, particularly given the threat of national and international legal action.

Source: Original reporting via Senegalese press.