72-hour strike: SAMES hardens its stance and announces a new work stoppage

The Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists, and Dentists of Senegal (SAMES) is striking again. Following the strike days of September 23 and 24, the union has announced a new 72-hour action starting next Monday. Emergency services will be the only service provided during these three days.

The standoff between SAMES and the health authorities continues. Meeting in an extraordinary expanded session on Friday, September 25, 2026, the union's National Executive Bureau (BEN) decided to extend and intensify its strike action.

This decision comes after an assessment of the strike days observed on September 23 and 24. According to SAMES, the strike call was overwhelmingly heeded, with a reported compliance rate of 99.64%. The union believes this mobilization reflects the "unity, discipline, and determination" of its members.

Three days of strike

In a statement signed this Sunday, September 27, by its national secretary general, Dr. Diabèle Dramé, SAMES announced a 72-hour strike, scheduled for Monday, September 28, Tuesday, September 29, and Wednesday, September 30, 2026, across the entire country. During these three days, only emergency services will be provided, in accordance with the directives of the National Executive Bureau.

SAMES denounces the "inertia" of the State

The union claims to have taken steps with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, but has not received a satisfactory response to its demands.

The BEN thus deplores what it calls the State's "lack of genuine will" to address the union's concerns. A situation which, according to its leaders, justifies the hardening of the movement.

SAMES indicates that it took this decision in agreement with the Collective of doctors, pharmacists and dental surgeons in specialization of Senegal (COMES) and the Association of interns and former interns of hospitals of Senegal (AIAIHS).

"The struggle continues"

In its statement, the union calls on its members to maintain the mobilization and send the authorities "a strong and unambiguous signal." SAMES declares its determination to continue its fight until all its demands are met. "SAMES is determined. SAMES is united. SAMES will not give in," the union insists.

The new strike action is expected to significantly affect the functioning of public health facilities for three days, with emergency services remaining operational.