The social climate in the education and training sector in Senegal has remained tense since the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Faced with repeated disruptions caused by union action plans, the Social Dialogue Committee – Education and Training Sector (CDS-SEF) is raising the alarm and calling for an urgent resumption of consultations between stakeholders.

In a press release issued on January 14, 2026, in Dakar, the CDS-SEF (Senegalese Education and Training Council) stated that it is following the current situation in Senegalese schools "with particular attention." The disruptions observed are primarily linked to strikes and work stoppages initiated by teachers' unions grouped within the G7, in response to government commitments that have been slow to materialize.

A direct impact on learners and the social climate

While acknowledging the legitimacy of the union demands, the CDS-SEF expresses its deep concern regarding the impact of these actions on the quality of public education and training services. According to the committee, the repeated disruptions to classes directly affect students and further weaken the social climate within the sector.

In this sensitive context, the CDS-SEF invites the unions to favour the continuity of dialogue rather than confrontation, believing that only consultation can make it possible to find lasting solutions to the problems posed.

Urgent appeal to the government

The committee also calls upon the government, in its capacity as guarantor of the continuity of public education services. It urges the government to reopen the consultation framework without delay, in order to review the progress of outstanding issues, share realistic timelines, and establish a permanent mechanism for jointly monitoring commitments made.

Furthermore, the CDS-SEF encourages civil society organizations active in the Education and Training sector to fully play their role of facilitation and constructive social intermediation, alongside the Committee, in order to support solutions arising from dialogue.

For a peaceful and successful school year

Reaffirming that social dialogue remains the safest way to prevent the escalation of tensions and restore trust between the parties, the CDS-SEF insists on the need to preserve a peaceful, inclusive and successful school year.

Convinced that the future of Senegalese schools depends on unity, shared responsibility and consultation, the Committee renews its call for a "Sacred Union for Senegalese Schools", launched during the pre-start of the school year in October 2025.

“Let’s talk together, differently and better, for an inclusive, peaceful and successful school year,” concludes the CDS-SEF.