Case of the 44 agents: the Minister of Mines is "convinced" of a positive outcome and "ready" to meet with them

The Minister of Mines and Geology, Cheikhou Oumar Seck, addressed the situation of the 44 employees of his department who have ceased working, following the latest statement from their group. Invited this Friday morning to the program "Salam Sénégal" on Radio Sénégal International (RSI), he assured listeners that steps are being taken to find a definitive solution to this matter, which he inherited from his predecessor.

"We know what work means as a means of subsistence. The ministry has made a lot of effort, my predecessor as well, and I have continued those efforts," he said.

According to the minister, discussions have already taken place with representatives of the agents and several proposals have been made, but without gaining their support.

A consultation framework bringing together representatives from the ministries responsible for Finance and the Civil Service has been established to examine ways to resolve the crisis. Among the options considered are the recruitment of eight staff members from among those affected and the development of a support plan for the others.

“It’s difficult because the Mining Fund’s situation was complicated. The budget didn’t allow us to go any further. Now that this situation has been resolved, we can consider a deployment plan based on our needs. With all the projects we are currently deploying, we believe there is room for everyone,” explained Cheikhou Oumar Seck.

The minister, however, sought to reassure everyone about the prospects for resolving this issue. "I remain convinced that there are solutions. We need to be able to compensate them or integrate them," he stated, adding that "the Ministry of Finance is currently taking the necessary steps."

Open to dialogue, Cheikhou Oumar Seck even invited the staff to come and talk with him as early as next week. "If they wish to come to the ministry, I am ready to receive them. Even on Monday, my doors are open to them. We can discuss and work together," he assured them.

The minister nevertheless cautioned that the solutions considered must take into account the state's actual capabilities. "We will not do what is impossible, acting responsibly. But we understand their distress and we believe that with what we are doing, we should normally be able to find a positive outcome to this situation," he reassured listeners on Radio Senegal.