Senegal’s Minister of Public Service, Mamadou Lamine Dianté, conducted a headcount on Monday, August 3rd, revealing a mere 10% attendance rate following the Grand Magal of Touba, a significant religious event. The assessment identified 179 employees as being absent without justification. Minister Dianté announced that these absent employees will be required to provide explanations upon their return to work on Tuesday. These explanations will be formally requested and are a required first step in a potential disciplinary process. Senegalese law, specifically law n°61-33, governs disciplinary action for public sector misconduct, including absenteeism. Penalties for unjustified absence range from warnings and reprimands to more severe consequences like suspension, demotion, or even dismissal.