The Inter-Union of Local Government Workers of Senegal expressed its strong indignation following the publication of a circular note dated February 17, 2026, issued by the Directorate General of the Treasury of Senegal, asking municipal receivers to suspend the payment of the salary increase for local government employees.

In a statement released in Dakar, the union organization argues that this decision constitutes an infringement on a right acquired after several years of demands. According to the inter-union group, the salary increase had been ratified following a memorandum of understanding intended to end the recurring strikes that had affected the functioning of local authorities and disrupted services to the public.

Compliance with the required memorandum of understanding

Union leaders are demanding strict adherence to the commitments outlined in the protocol signed with the government. They are specifically calling on the Ministry of Finance and Budget and the Ministry of Territorial Communities to release the allocated funds, particularly the estimated six billion CFA francs earmarked for the affected communities.

While acknowledging the efforts made by the authorities to improve the conditions of local government employees, the inter-union group believes that the Treasury circular note has created unease in the local administration.

She nevertheless commends the mayors and presidents of departmental councils who have already paid the salary increase and urges the remaining local executives to comply with the legal provisions.

Several urgent demands are on the table.

The inter-union group is also demanding the swift opening of discussions with the authorities to address several priority concerns: the repeal of decrees 2026-1618 and 2026-1619; the certification of local government employees; the alignment of allowances for local government health workers; the commencement of physical audits of staff starting March 1, 2026; the payment of housing allowances; and the convening of the Higher Council of the Local Civil Service.

The group indicates that it has already undertaken awareness-raising efforts with the High Council for Social Dialogue, the National Centre for Local Public Service and the Directorate of Local Public Service of Senegal, while regretting the lack of concrete reaction from the supervisory authority.

A warning strike threat

Finally, the inter-union group reports having filed a strike notice covering the year 2026. It announces that a 48-hour warning strike could be launched in the coming days if its demands are not met.

This new standoff between local government workers and the state risks reigniting social tensions in local administration, at a time when local public services remain in high demand from the population.