University lecturers in Mauritania have announced plans to go on strike from November 16, 2026, in protest over what they describe as the continued delay in addressing their legitimate demands. The Coordinating Committee of University Lecturers made the announcement, calling on all cooperative lecturers to participate in the strike. They claim that 87 lecturers from various faculties and institutes have confirmed their participation so far.

The lecturers' demands are centered around several key issues. They are seeking an increase in the number of allocated positions for recruitment from 120 to 400 university professors. They also want a regular annual recruitment process and the regularization of the professional situation of non-recruited lecturers through annual contracts and fair salaries and compensation for teaching hours.

In addition to these demands, the lecturers are also calling for improved healthcare and social coverage, as well as guarantees of their professional rights. They want better working conditions, support for scientific research, and continuous training. The lecturers believe that addressing these issues is essential for improving the quality of education in Mauritania.

The Coordinating Committee has urged the relevant authorities to take responsibility and respond urgently to their demands. They are seeking a serious and responsible dialogue that leads to fair solutions. The strike is set to last for one week, and it is unclear what impact it will have on the academic calendar.

The lecturers' demands are not limited to their own working conditions but also aim to improve the overall quality of education in Mauritania. They believe that by addressing these issues, they can contribute to the development of the country's education sector. The strike is a significant development in the country's education sector.

It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the lecturers' demands. The government has not yet made a statement on the strike or the lecturers' demands. However, the lecturers are determined to press on with their action, which they believe is necessary to bring about change.

The strike by university lecturers in Mauritania highlights the challenges facing the country's education sector. The lecturers' demands are aimed at improving their working conditions and the quality of education, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached soon.

Key points

  • University lecturers in Mauritania are going on strike from November 16, 2026, over unmet demands.
  • The lecturers are seeking improved working conditions, increased hiring, and better healthcare and social coverage.
  • The strike is set to last for one week and may impact the academic calendar.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.