Senegal’s “Clandos” Taxi Drivers Strike Over Police Harassment, Demand Regulation
A 24-hour strike by Senegal’s informal taxi drivers, known locally as “clandos,” commenced on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Guédiawaye and Pikine-Guédiawaye, as drivers publicly denounced what they describe as systemic police harassment. The drivers are seeking formal recognition and regulation of their sector, citing disrespectful treatment and arbitrary actions by law enforcement.
The strike and subsequent press conference underscore a growing tension between Senegal’s informal transportation network and state authorities. For years, “clandos” have filled a critical gap in urban mobility, yet operate outside the formal regulatory framework, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Drivers Allege Unjust Treatment and Demand Legal Status
According to Pape Yoro Guèye, president of the federation of clandos taxi garages in Senegal, the core issue is the persistent stigmatization faced by drivers. “Despite the important role we play in urban transport, we are made to believe that we work clandestinely,” Guèye stated. “As a result, we are sometimes treated with disrespect. Which we find unacceptable.”
Drivers allege that police officers routinely confiscate driving licenses and vehicle parts without providing justification, often leading to confrontations. “Situations which sometimes turn into fights when we know that in such situations, many drivers demand the police officer to notify them of the offense committed rather than disappearing with the documents,” Guèye explained. These actions, he asserts, contribute to arbitrary arrests and fines.
The drivers are not seeking exemption from the law, but rather a level playing field. “We are calling on the State to supervise our work so that we can have a legal status in the same way as other transport sectors,” Guèye insisted.
Calls for State Intervention and Sector Regularization
The drivers’ demands follow a period of internal organization, including participation in a General Assembly of Transport and a five-day seminar focused on sector improvement. This proactive engagement demonstrates a commitment to professionalizing the “clandos” network and integrating it into the formal economy.
Guèye directly appealed to Senegal’s Head of State for assistance, stating, “We are very tired and…we ask the State to organize us, in the sense of regularizing our sector and bringing it out of clandestinity, so that it is recognized in the same way as the other transport sectors in Senegal.”
The situation highlights a broader challenge for Senegal – how to integrate its large informal economy, which provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the population, while ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting the rights of workers. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for other informal sectors seeking greater recognition and protection within the Senegalese economy.
