Tensions are rising between the G7, the grouping of the main education trade unions, and Mamadou Lamine Dianté, president of the High Council for Social Dialogue (HCDS). In a statement released this Thursday, October 23, 2025, the G7 vigorously criticized what it calls "institutional drift" and "serious failings" in the HCDS's mediation mission.

The union collective says it strongly condemns Mr. Dianté's repeated media appearances, which it considers hostile and provocative toward the unions. During his appearance on a television program, the HCDS president allegedly accused the G7 general secretaries of having "given in to pressure" from the teachers' collectives by decreeing their action plan.

For the G7, these remarks are "irresponsible, unacceptable, and defamatory." The unionists denounced an attempt to discredit the union struggle to demand that the government respect the signed agreements. They also protested against Mr. Dianté's "arrogance," accusing him of wanting to give lessons in unionism to those who trained and supported him before he entered politics.

The G7 goes further, citing "unjustified and inelegant harassment" against the national general secretary of SAEMSS, a union which, according to them, largely contributed to the formation and rise of Mr. Dianté in the union movement.

Since his appointment as head of the HCDS, the G7 believes that the shortcomings in the management of social dialogue and the partisan positions taken by the president of the institution are at the root of the persistent social tension in several key sectors, notably justice, education and health.

The unionists deplore the choice of a person they consider "unfit to lead such a prestigious institution." They call on Mr. Dianté to return to reason and strictly respect the positions of the union organizations.

As a result, the G7 declared that the HCDS chairman had “self-disqualified” himself and could no longer be a credible interlocutor for discussions on education and training.

Finally, the seven unions call on all teachers in Senegal to remain vigilant, united and mobilized to obtain a definitive resolution to sectoral problems, while warning against any attempt at diversion or intimidation in their fight for social justice and respect for the State's commitments.