A group of 1,000 volunteers in the Thiès region of Senegal, known as volontaires de la consommation, have spoken out about their struggles with delayed payments. According to their regional representative, Mamadou Traore, the volunteers have not received their stipends on time since their contract was renewed in July 2026. This has resulted in significant financial difficulties for the volunteers, many of whom rely on this monthly payment to support their families.
The volunteers' contract from 2025 expired in 2026, and although they renewed their contract in July, they have not received their stipends since then. Traore stated that some volunteers have been waiting for their payments for three months, while others have accumulated four months of arrears. The situation has prompted the volunteers to reach out to their national coordinator for assistance.
The national coordinator has informed the volunteers that they will not receive their payments until January, citing the need for a budget revision to be approved by the National Assembly. However, the volunteers have not received any updates on their situation. Traore emphasized that the delayed payments have a significant impact on the volunteers' daily lives, as many of them rely on this stipend to cover their monthly expenses.
The volunteers' monthly stipend was recently reduced from 105,000 to 100,000 FCFA. Traore noted that after deducting payment fees, the volunteers actually receive around 99,900 FCFA per month. This amount is barely enough to cover their expenses, and the delayed payments have exacerbated their financial struggles.
The situation is particularly challenging for volunteers who face family emergencies, such as medical expenses or childcare costs. Traore reported receiving regular calls from colleagues who are struggling to make ends meet. The volunteers are urging the authorities to address their concerns and provide them with the support they need.
The volunteers' plight highlights the challenges faced by those working in the consommation sector in Senegal. Traore emphasized that many volunteers are responsible for supporting their families and rely on this stipend to do so. The delayed payments have caused significant hardship and stress for the volunteers, who are calling for a resolution to the situation.
The volunteers are now waiting for a response from their national coordinator and the authorities. They hope that their concerns will be addressed, and they will receive their payments in a timely manner. Until then, they will continue to face financial difficulties and uncertainty.
Key points
- The volunteers' monthly stipend was reduced from 105,000 to 100,000 FCFA.
- Some volunteers have accumulated four months of arrears.
- The delayed payments have caused significant hardship and stress for the volunteers.
