The Autonomous Union of Livestock Workers of Senegal (SATES) has extended its warmest congratulations to Mr. Ousmane Diagne, recently appointed Minister to the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, in charge of Livestock.

In a note made public, SATES welcomes the confidence placed in Mr. Diagne by the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The union believes that this appointment constitutes a recognition of his skills, commitment and dedication to the service of the Nation.

SATES also reaffirmed its willingness to support initiatives and reforms aimed at strengthening the sustainable development of the livestock sector, improving the working conditions of agents and promoting food sovereignty in Senegal.

Beyond congratulations, the union raised several concerns regarding the sector's development. These include improving working conditions for staff at veterinary posts and decentralized services. SATES specifically calls for better equipment for technical services, the provision of appropriate logistical resources (vehicles, motorcycles, and field equipment), and enhanced security measures for staff working in remote areas. The union also requests the construction of new veterinary posts, increased fuel allocations, the reassignment of certain staff members to positions better suited to their circumstances, and the ability for staff to conduct vaccination campaigns in their respective assigned areas.

The recruitment of graduates from animal production training schools is also among the expectations. The organization advocates for an increase in staff numbers to meet the sector's growing needs. It emphasizes the need to provide ongoing training for current staff, particularly through the Higher Institute for Agricultural and Rural Training (ISFAR), to improve the technical and professional skills of personnel.

SATES calls on the new minister to engage in regular dialogue with labor unions. The organization believes that ongoing consultation between management and worker representatives is essential to prevent social conflicts and find lasting solutions to the difficulties faced by employees.

In its memorandum, the union also reiterates several long-standing demands, including the establishment of the common fund for the primary sector, the introduction of a risk premium for livestock sector workers and the regularization of the situation of contract workers.

For the union, these measures are essential levers to improve the well-being of workers and strengthen the efficiency of the public livestock service in Senegal.