The trade union movement in West Africa has suffered a setback. It is in the death of Senegalese trade unionist, Comrade Mademba Sock. He died in Paris where he had been hospitalized for some time, according to information available from an online platform.
Born in 1951, Sock is said to have distinguished himself in the 1990s as Secretary General of the Single Union of Electricity Workers (SUTELEC). His influence expanded when he also took the helm of the National Union of Autonomous Unions of Senegal (UNSAS). During his tenure at SUTELEC, he was at the center of several significant conflicts, including the 1998 strike, which led to a national blackout and his imprisonment for six months. Despite these challenges, he continued to play a crucial role in defending workers’ rights, notably opposing the privatization of SENELEC.
After 27 years at the head of SUTELEC, Sock left his position in 2018, giving way to Habib Aidara. He justified his departure by his advanced age and the need to renew the union leadership with younger figures.
In addition to his activities within SUTELEC, Mademba Sock was also president of the West African Workers’ Organization (OTAO). Under his leadership, he sought to reinvigorate the West African labor movement by focusing on emerging worker concerns and economic challenges in the region.
Additionally, Mademba Sock, who was the President of the Board of Directors (PCA) of the Social Security Fund and Secretary General (SG) of the UNSAS union, left an indelible mark on the union landscape of Senegal.
