Twelve Mauritanian education unions under the 'Hadiroun' coalition will begin a sit-in at the Ministry of Education on 31 August, protesting what they describe as exclusion from union representation and unilateral election procedures.
A coalition of twelve Mauritanian education unions, operating under the banner of 'Hadiroun', has announced plans to stage a sit-in outside the Ministry of Education and Reform of the Education System starting 31 August. The action is intended to protest what the unions describe as their exclusion from key sectoral decisions and processes.
In a statement released Thursday, 'Hadiroun' accused the Ministry of Education of sidelining less representative unions, arguing that all unions have a legal right to represent their members in relevant matters. The coalition claims the ministry failed to uphold its commitment to consult with unions on the organisation of union elections, instead announcing election procedures unilaterally.
Unions Challenge Ministry's Approach to Representation
'Hadiroun' criticised what it called a misinterpretation of union representativeness, stating that the most representative unions do not speak for all teachers. The coalition insists that less representative unions remain legally recognised and retain the right to defend their members' interests.
Call for Focus on Core Education Issues
The coalition urged the most representative unions to prioritise fundamental issues affecting teachers, emphasising that their mandate comes from the trust of the teaching workforce. 'Hadiroun' also affirmed its readiness to use all legal means, including those provided by international conventions ratified by Mauritania, to protect the rights and interests of its members.
The sit-in is set to begin on 31 August, with union leaders demanding greater inclusion in sectoral decision-making and a more transparent approach to union elections. The outcome could influence the balance of union representation in Mauritania's education sector and shape future engagement between the ministry and union actors.
Source: saharamedias.net
