Senegal: seven teachers injured by police

The
teachers who are currently involved in a dispute over pay and
conditions had asked for authorisation for a march. This request was
denied by the state governor. The teachers met in the town and held a
general assembly (AG) they agreed on a protest motion that was to be
passed to the governor but he refused to enter into any contact with
them. It was then agreed by the AG that the demonstrators would
disperse.

It was at this point that a group of female teachers were targeted
by police. Seven of them, including a pregnant woman, were injured by
police batons. One of the women had to be evacuated to hospital in a
serious condition.

The Senegalese police and military have been accused of intimidating
and harassing teachers over the last few months with many incidents
being reported.

Officially the visit of the Prime Minister led to the banning of the
march for security reasons. The inter-union committee pointed out that
the Prime Minister is currently campaigning for the June 3rd elections.
As a sign of solidarity with their colleagues teachers have announced
that they will not help to supervise the ballot.