Higher-education teachers’ strike disrupts Malian universities
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bamada.net
The five-day strike by Malian higher-education teachers began on 26 October 2026, with the National Union of Higher Education and Scientific Research demanding payment of the research allowance. Students at Bamako’s Faculty of Administrative and Political Sciences fear delays to their studies and consequences for their plans, Bamada.net reports.
The National Union of Higher Education and Scientific Research (SNESUP) launched a 120-hour strike on Monday 26 October at Malian universities to demand payment of the research allowance. The action, scheduled to last five days, can be renewed until the demands are met, Bamada.net reports.
At the Faculty of Administrative and Political Sciences, lecture halls, libraries and offices were deserted on Tuesday morning. Students fear further delays to their studies. Souleymane Ongoïba, an undergraduate student, says he has been enrolled since 2023 without being able to complete this cycle and fears that the interruptions could affect his participation in competitions subject to an age limit. Mariam Konaté, for her part, laments the disruption to the preparation of classes and examinations.
SNESUP Secretary-General Oumar Coulibaly said that no negotiations had yet begun with the authorities. He warned that the union would renew the strike if the government did not respond to its demands after the 120 hours.
