The Senegalese government and justice sector unions have continued negotiations on reclassifying court clerks within the new A2 hierarchy. A meeting was held on September 21, 2026, in Dakar, led by Public Service Minister Mamadou Lamine DIANTÉ. Representatives from SYTJUST, UNTJ, and the High Social Dialogue Council were present. Discussions centered on reclassifying clerks from B2 to A2 hierarchy after training and integrating agents from B and C hierarchies into new assistant roles.
Two main approaches to reclassification are being considered. The government relies on the 1961 law governing public servants and related regulations, suggesting reclassification at an equal or immediately higher index. In contrast, unions want clerks reclassified to the same grades they held in their initial corps. These differing views have stalled an agreement. Both parties have agreed to continue discussions in a future meeting to further examine reclassification modalities.
The reclassification of court clerks has been a longstanding issue. In 2024, it was a concern during justice sector reform discussions. The issue gained social significance in 2025 with SYTJUST and UNTJ demands for B2 to A2 transition and reclassification of certain B and C hierarchy personnel. A strike was initiated in June 2025 before dialogue resumed and the strike was suspended in August.
This year, discussions have focused on implementing reclassification after clerk training. Justice Minister Me Moussa SARR reaffirmed his commitment to a concerted resolution on August 31, 2026. He assured union representatives of his personal involvement and availability to continue exchanges until a balanced agreement is reached.
The current negotiations involve several key aspects. These include the reclassification of clerks from B2 to A2 hierarchy, integration into new clerk and prosecutor assistant roles, and conditions for integrating into new A2 clerk and court administrator corps. The parties are working to find common ground on these issues.
The High Social Dialogue Council's presence in the negotiations highlights the government's effort to engage in social dialogue. This process aims to address the concerns of all stakeholders and find a mutually acceptable solution. The involvement of various unions and government representatives underscores the complexity of the issue.
The outcome of the negotiations will significantly impact Senegal's justice sector. A resolution is expected to address the career progression and compensation of court clerks and other justice sector personnel. The government's commitment to finding a balanced solution is crucial in resolving this longstanding issue.
Key points
- The Senegalese government and court clerk unions have agreed to continue negotiations on reclassifying court clerks within the new A2 hierarchy.
- Two main approaches to reclassification are being considered, with the government suggesting reclassification at an equal or immediately higher index and unions pushing for reclassification to the same grades held in their initial corps.
- The reclassification of court clerks has been a longstanding issue, with significant implications for Senegal's justice sector.
