Hundreds Protest in Dakar over Government Promises and Rising Living Costs in Senegal

DAKAR, Senegal -- Hundreds of workers, union members and opposition supporters marched in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on Wednesday to protest unfulfilled government promises and a rising cost of living. The country faces a severe debt crisis. The protest was organized by the country's main labor unions and the Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic, an opposition coalition.

Mody Guiro, secretary-general of the National Confederation of Senegalese Workers, Senegal's largest labor union, stated that the government had not honored a deal from last year. That deal had frozen strikes in exchange for commitments to improve wages and working conditions.

Authorities attribute the constraints to a record debt crisis inherited from the previous administration, which has limited available funds.

Protesters wore red scarves and union hats while holding signs that called for the government to rehire laid-off public sector workers and reduce income taxes. Some participants chanted slogans demanding the removal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The demonstration highlighted ongoing economic challenges affecting daily life in the West African nation.

Senegal's government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, assumed power in April 2024.

The ruling PASTEF party had pledged reforms to combat corruption, generate employment for young people and optimize benefits from natural resources. However, implementation of these reforms has encountered obstacles. A government audit in 2025 identified a national debt of $13 billion, larger than previously reported and linked to the prior administration.

Negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a new financial program have stalled amid a deteriorating fiscal situation. Senegal's debt-to-GDP ratio stands at approximately 132%, among the highest in Africa. The economic difficulties have intensified hardships for residents, particularly young people, who comprise about 75% of the population under age 35.

In February, protests at Senegal's leading public university over unpaid financial aid resulted in a violent response from security forces, including the death of one student. These events underscore tensions related to youth unemployment and public services.

the Wednesday protest, Mohamed Fall, a youth activist, commented on the need for economic revival.

Another participant, Pape Laobe Samb, was among more than 700 employees laid off from the port of Dakar since early 2025 as part of government efforts to restructure state institutions. Samb had worked at the port for over 12 years before the layoff. >"This is not what they promised people.

" — Pape Laobe Samb, protester and former port employee (Abc News) The port's director, appointed soon after President Faye took office, described the layoffs as a review of irregular contracts from the previous administration. Labor unions contend that the affected workers were primarily those connected to the prior government and that the dismissals violated legal standards.

The dispute reflects broader conflicts over public sector reforms and job security.

Future developments may involve continued negotiations between the government, unions and international lenders to address the debt and economic pressures. Affected groups include public sector employees, youth and low-income households facing higher living costs. The protests could influence policy adjustments or lead to further demonstrations if demands remain unmet.