Healthcare sector: SAMES announces a new 48-hour strike on September 16th and 17th

Tensions are rising in the health sector. Meeting in an extraordinary session this Wednesday, the National Executive Bureau of the Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists of Senegal (SAMES) announced a new 48-hour strike, scheduled for Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September 2026 throughout the national territory.

This decision comes the day after the evaluation of the strike on September 8 and 9. According to the BEN, the assessment is unequivocal: "the mobilization was massive, disciplined and exemplary".

In its statement, SAMES congratulates "all fellow doctors, pharmacists, and dentists for their solidarity, unity, and strict adherence to the directive." "Through their determination, they have confirmed that SAMES speaks with one voice and that this voice cannot be ignored," the statement reads.

The union emphasizes its full support for the demands, which it deems "legitimate." However, the BEN (National Executive Bureau) expresses regret at the lack of response from the authorities. It also strongly denounces "the culpable silence of the Senegalese state: no verifiable commitment, no serious opening for dialogue."

For SAMES, this silence "reflects an unacceptable contempt for healthcare professionals and exacerbates the crisis in the healthcare system." An attitude which, according to the union, strengthens its resolve to continue the fight.

As a result, SAMES is therefore decreeing a new 48-hour order on September 16 and 17, "with respect for emergencies", and this throughout the territory.

"SAMES will not give in," he vows.