Senegalese doctors call 72-hour nationwide strike
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Seneweb
Senegal’s Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dental Surgeons has called a 72-hour nationwide strike from 27 October 2026, while maintaining emergency services. The union denounces the authorities’ inaction and the health minister’s remarks, according to its statement.
The Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dental Surgeons of Senegal (Sames) has called a 72-hour nationwide strike, while maintaining emergency services. The decision was taken on Tuesday 27 October 2026 by its National Executive Bureau, which accused the authorities of «persistent inertia» in the face of difficulties in the health system.
The union condemned as «odious» remarks attributed to Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action, who allegedly invited practitioners to look for work abroad. Sames said the statements showed contempt for the medical profession and a failure to respond to professionals’ demands.
The union will hold a press briefing on Thursday 29 October at 11am in Dakar to detail its demands. The mobilisation comes after several social tensions in Senegal, including the dispute over the Grand Water Transfer, which the ministry said had not been suspended on 26 October.
