Mali teachers strike over research pay
University lecturers in Mali began a five-day strike on October 26, 2026, demanding payment of research bonuses.
University lecturers in Mali began a five-day strike on Monday, October 26, 2026, demanding payment of their research bonuses. The National Union of Higher Education and Scientific Research (SNESUP) initiated the action, which is renewable if their demands are not met.
The strike has left university campuses empty, with empty lecture halls and closed offices. Students, like Souleymane Ongoïba, expressed concern about further delays to their academic programs, with some having started their degree in 2023 and still not finished. Mariam Konaté also noted disruptions to course preparation and exams.
Dr. Oumar Coulibaly, SNESUP's secretary general, stated that the union is open to dialogue but will renew the strike if the government remains unresponsive. No negotiations have yet begun, and the union warns that the mobilization will continue until their demands are satisfied, leaving students uncertain about their academic calendar.
Why it mattersMalian university students face disruptions to their academic year and potential delays in completing their degrees due to the ongoing strike.