COS-PETROGAZ: Dismissed since 2024, seven employees are demanding their reinstatement and appealing to the Prime Minister

More than two years after losing their jobs, seven former employees of the Strategic Orientation Committee for Oil and Gas (COS-PETROGAZ) are seeking a resolution to the impasse. In a statement released on November 11, 2026, they denounce what they describe as a social and professional injustice and demand their reinstatement, in accordance with instructions they attribute to the Prime Minister. The case dates back to September 9, 2024.

One week after taking office, the new permanent secretary of COS-PETROGAZ, Cheikh Khadim Bamba Diagne, reportedly issued a memo terminating the employment of seven staff members working in various departments: IT, communications, accounting, purchasing, administrative support, and security. According to the staff group, these individuals had requested reassignment to other positions, in an effort to ensure continuity of service.

But four days later, on September 13, 2024, they were allegedly offered a mutually agreed termination of their permanent contracts (CDI), along with compensation equivalent to two months' salary. They say they unanimously rejected this offer. On September 26, 2024, they finally received their dismissal notices delivered by a bailiff. The reason given was the same for all seven: "Incompetence and profile incompatible with the position." These accusations are contested by the employees, who claim they were not given any individual interviews or prior professional evaluations. They also denounce the non-payment of their September 2024 salaries and the compensation to which they believe they are entitled.

Two court decisions and still no reinstatement

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Beyond this administrative and professional dispute, the group highlights the human consequences of these dismissals. Seven workers, including fathers and mothers, say they have been plunged into economic and social hardship that also affects their families. The case of a colleague who was pregnant at the time and gave birth to her second child a few months later is specifically mentioned.

After amicable attempts failed, the seven former employees decided to take legal action. They claim to have obtained two favorable court rulings in the first instance, concerning unpaid wages and challenges to their dismissals. However, the case is far from over. The State's legal representative has appealed, thus prolonging the litigation. The employees denounce the difficulties they have encountered in obtaining payment of the sums claimed and question the effectiveness of their rights when dealing with a public body.

Even more concerning, the group claims that the Prime Minister gave instructions for their reinstatement. However, according to its members, no concrete steps have yet been taken to implement these directives. They also report having approached the Senegalese Human Rights Committee and the relevant administrative officials. The redeployment of the seven employees to other public institutions, based on their qualifications, was even proposed as a solution to the crisis. All to no avail, they lament.

Reinstatement or full payment of dues

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The group's demand is unambiguous: to be reinstated to their positions at COS-PETROGAZ or to be redeployed to other public entities suited to their skills. Failing that, the former employees demand full payment of their entitlements, including unpaid wages, notice and severance pay, as well as any other sums stipulated by applicable legal and contractual provisions.

In their statement, they directly appeal to the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister to find a lasting solution. They believe that respect for workers' rights and court decisions must also apply to public institutions. "We are not asking for favors or privileges. We demand our reinstatement in accordance with the Prime Minister's instructions. Failing that, we demand full payment of our entitlements," they insist.

After more than two years of administrative and legal proceedings, they say they have waited long enough. Their priority remains reintegration, but they are now demanding a concrete response from the authorities.