Transports routiers : vers une grève générale ? Les révélations de Gora Khouma après sa rencontre avec le ministère
In Dakar, tensions persist in the road transport sector. Following a consultation meeting organized by the Ministry of Transport, Gora Khouma, Secretary General of the Senegalese Road Haulers' Union, voiced the concerns of stakeholders in the sector. The meeting was held in the absence of Minister El Malick Ndiaye, who was represented by his Secretary General. Facing the supervisory authorities, the transport unions presented a series of demands that had long gone unanswered. "We've spoken our minds. We had no choice but to," declared Gora Khouma. While stakeholders welcomed the openness to dialogue, they remain cautious about concrete results. "I can't say we received complete satisfaction. We were listened to; now the government must reflect and act."
At the heart of their grievances is the issue of excessive roadside checks. Haulers denounce the proliferation of checkpoints, the delays they cause, and their impact on the sector's profitability. "We're not against checks," they say. "But there are too many checkpoints, both in urban and rural areas." They are therefore calling for a significant reduction in these checkpoints to guarantee both safety and smooth traffic flow.
A presidential decree ignored
Another point of contention is the failure to comply with a decree limiting the number of checkpoints on certain corridors to three. “They’re applying a ministerial order, but flouting a decree. This raises a real issue of state coherence,” Gora Khouma criticized. The union leader directly challenged the authorities: either rigorously apply the decree or clearly repeal it to avoid any ambiguity. To try to find a solution, discussions led to the proposal to establish an ad hoc committee. This broader consultation framework should “involve several ministries (Transport, Interior, Armed Forces, Finance), serve as a dashboard for monitoring commitments, and produce operational solutions,” according to Mr. Khouma.
He cites the proposed solutions, which include a six-month evaluation period for certain measures, a review of some timetable restrictions, and improved organization of urban and intercity transport. Transport operators also raised the issue of fares, which have remained unchanged for nearly two decades. "Since 2008, there has been no fare review. This creates tension at stations and misunderstandings between drivers and passengers." They believe an update is essential to restore the sector's economic balance.
A strike is in sight.
Despite a note of optimism, the tone remains firm. Transporters warn that the lack of concrete solutions could paralyze the sector. "If nothing is done, we will be forced to go on strike." For now, they say they are giving the authorities a reasonable timeframe to translate discussions into action. "Between structural dysfunctions, economic pressure, and strong social expectations, Senegalese road transport is at a turning point. The effective establishment of the ad hoc committee and the authorities' ability to provide swift responses will be crucial to preventing an escalation of tensions in a sector vital to the national economy," he concludes.
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