The National Confederation of Mauritanian Workers (CNTM) has filed a lawsuit against the Islamic University of Nouadhibou, seeking to enforce its right to represent workers on the university's administrative board. According to Sidi Mohamed, a representative of the National Union of Contract Workers and Education Institution Employees, the lawsuit was filed with the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court after the university administration refused to recognize the CNTM's victory in union representation elections.
The CNTM won 78.18% of the vote in the October 24, 2025, union representation elections at the university, with 43 out of 56 votes cast. The union's victory was secured through its affiliate, the National Union of Contract Workers and Education Institution Employees. In contrast, the Mauritanian Workers' Union, affiliated with the National Union of Education, received 12 votes and one vote was cast for neutrality.
The lawsuit comes after 11 months of attempts to resolve the issue through administrative channels. Sidi Mohamed stated that the CNTM's goal is to ensure that the law is enforced and that the interests of workers are protected. The university administration's refusal to recognize the CNTM's representation has been seen as an attempt to undermine the union's authority and deny workers their rightful representation.
The CNTM's actions have been supported by its coordination in the Western Hodh region, which has pledged to escalate its struggle to secure union representation rights. On the 9th of this month, the coordination announced that it would take its protest to new levels in the coming days, having prepared and submitted a petition to the relevant authorities.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in Mauritania, particularly in the education sector. The CNTM's efforts to assert its rights and represent workers have been met with resistance from the university administration, leading to a protracted and complex dispute. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for the future of labor relations in the country.
The Islamic University of Nouadhibou is a major institution in Mauritania, and the CNTM's victory in the union representation elections reflects the union's significant support among workers. The university administration's actions have been seen as an attempt to limit the union's influence and undermine its authority. The lawsuit is a key test of the country's labor laws and the rights of workers to representation.
The case is expected to have far-reaching consequences for labor relations in Mauritania. If the CNTM is successful, it could set a precedent for other unions to assert their rights and represent workers in similar disputes. The university administration's response to the lawsuit will be closely watched, as it will indicate the government's commitment to upholding labor laws and protecting workers' rights.
Key points
- The CNTM's lawsuit seeks to enforce its right to represent workers on the university's administrative board.
- The union won 78.18% of the vote in the October 24, 2025, union representation elections at the university.
- The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in Mauritania, particularly in the education sector.
