CONDEMNATION OF INTIMIDATION AND UNION REPRESSION TARGETING WATER SECTOR WORKERS IN SENEGAL

To the Senegalese National Press and the International Media

CONDEMNATION OF INTIMIDATION AND UNION REPRESSION TARGETING WATER SECTOR WORKERS IN SENEGAL

The Africa Water Justice Network (AWJN) issues this statement to the national press in Senegal and to international media outlets to draw urgent attention to a situation of exceptional gravity within the country’s public water sector.

We firmly condemn the ongoing intimidation, pressure, and threats of dismissal directed at workers, including trade union representatives who are advocating for transparency, accountability, respect for fundamental labour rights and sector reforms that impact positively on both workers and served communities. The ongoing repression represents a direct attack on union freedoms and people’s rights.

At the centre of this crisis is Mr. Oumar Ba, a respected worker and union representative known for his commitment to fair and equitable public water services for all communities. In the face of escalating reprisals and a climate of persistent intimidation, he has been compelled to undertake a hunger strike, an act of last resort that reflects the depth of injustice workers and communities are enduring. Specifically, his action is a powerful signal highlighting the deteriorating situation of workers’ rights within SEN’EAU.

Expressing the concern of AWJN, Steering Committee Chairperson Aderonke Ige said, “Threats, sanctions, and dismissal attempts against workers exercising their legitimate rights constitute a blatant violation of international labour standards, including the core ILO Conventions ratified by Senegal”.

Reiterating the need for the sanctity of human rights, a member of the Senegalese Water Justice Network, Fatou Diouf, also emphasised that “these practices jeopardise not only fundamental human and trade union rights but also the quality, integrity, and stability of the public water service in Senegal”.

The AWJN also expresses its strong support for the SATES union, which, despite a hostile environment, continues to stand firm and remains the majority union within SEN’EAU. This status testifies to the sustained confidence of the workforce, despite clear attempts to weaken or intimidate the union’s legitimate activities.

Speaking from the AWJN secretariat in Accra, Ghana, the Network’s coordinator, Leonard Shang-Quartey, stated that “the repression of the Water sector workers needs to be condemned by all, especially where that repression is a result of the unions speaking out for the public good and improving services to communities. Their demands for fair treatment, improved working conditions, transparency, and accountability will yield better services for communities and therefore should lead to constructive social dialogue, not punitive measures”.

In light of the alarming situation, the AWJN calls for:

I. The immediate cessation of all threats, intimidation, disciplinary measures, and dismissal attempts targeting workers engaged in trade union activities.

II. Urgent medical attention and unconditional protection for Mr. Oumar Ba, with guarantees of no reprisals linked to his peaceful protest.

III. The establishment of transparent, credible, and inclusive dialogue between SEN’EAU, public authorities, and trade union representatives.

IV. Full respect for international labour standards, including freedom of association and collective bargaining.

V. An independent review of SEN’EAU’s managerial practices to ensure alignment with principles of public accountability, transparency, and human rights. 

Senegal has long been recognised for its strong culture of social dialogue and democratic governance. The current developments seriously threaten this legacy and undermine the dignity of the workers who ensure the daily delivery of a vital public service.

The Africa Water Justice Network reaffirms its full solidarity with Oumar Ba, with SATES, and with all workers standing for justice, fairness, and the protection of human rights in the water sector. We urge the Government of Senegal and the management of SEN’EAU to act without delay to resolve this crisis, safeguard workers’ rights, and restore a climate of transparency, trust, and respect.

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