Tensions are rising in Senegal's public higher education system. On Friday, July 3, 2026, a general assembly followed by a press conference was held at Amadou Mahtar Mbow University. At the call of the National Federation of Unions of Administrative, Technical and Service Personnel (PATS), the local branch of SATUC mobilized its members en masse to demand "concrete and immediate measures."

This protest at UAM is just the tip of the iceberg of a broader anger. Across the country, universities and student services centers observed a synchronized 24-hour strike. The demand is single, "clear," and "non-negotiable": the extension of the housing allowance to all administrative and technical staff.

For union leaders, enough is enough. Despite months of consultations, government promises have yet to materialize. They described the situation as "unjustifiable delaying tactics." Addressing a united assembly, Abdoul Baldé, a member of the federation, praised the historic nature of this inter-union mobilization.

“All the unions in the university sector have decided to stand together. The fight has only just begun,” warned Mr. Baldé, recalling that the renewed unity of the workers will be the main battering ram to break down the doors of the ministry.

At the heart of the conflict lies the January 2026 decree, intended to grant a housing allowance to all state employees. Six months later, administrative and technical staff (PATS) still consider themselves the forgotten victims of this reform. Yet, according to Mr. Baldé, the necessary work has been done.

"From April 6 to 8, a technical workshop in Saly meticulously calculated and outlined the legal framework for this measure," he recalls.

The report has been sitting on the desk of the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation ever since.

For the union, the recent reshuffles or institutional changes cannot serve as an excuse. "The State is a continuous entity," insisted Abdoul Baldé, demanding a precise implementation schedule.

An internal "injustice" denounced

The union representatives also reject any legal argument that could legitimize this exclusion. Invited to speak, Yacine Fall, representative of the CROUS-Diamniadio branch, highlighted the internal divisions that this status quo is creating on campuses. She pointed out that the decree of August 3, 2023, already grants this allowance to certain senior positions, such as directors, department heads, and technical advisors.

"We cannot establish such a difference in treatment within the same professional family. It is an injustice that risks creating divisions," she protested, recalling that PATS are full-fledged state agents and deserve equal treatment.

While housing is a focal point of tension, the SATUC union and the federation emphasize that the discontent runs deeper and encompasses numerous other outstanding demands. The strikers are calling for the immediate creation of budgeted positions for new hires to alleviate the burden on existing staff, an increase in the retirement age, and a significant increase in pensions.

Furthermore, they demand the strict application of health sector agreements to the university structures concerned, a comprehensive review of the texts governing university governance, and the immediate application of the press collective agreement to the Iba Der Thiam University of Thiès.

While the union leaders maintain they remain open to negotiations, they warn that their patience has its limits. A final warning has been issued to the authorities: if tangible responses are not forthcoming in the next few days, the movement will escalate its actions.