Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Comores Infos
Published on 2024-03-04 08:15:40
Adopted in December 2021, the status of civil security personnel in the Union of the Comoros is still eagerly awaited, two years after its promulgation in February 2022. This law, aimed at improving the working conditions of firefighters, is highly anticipated by employees of the General Directorate of Civil Security (Dgcs), who see it as a glimmer of hope for expected social benefits, including health insurance.
According to a Dgsc official, all that is lacking is an implementing decree for this status to come into effect, promising many benefits to personnel, particularly in terms of salary. Indeed, the text provides that the remuneration system and other benefits will be set by presidential decree in the Council of Ministers, including allowances, bonuses, and basic pay, among others.
Before the adoption of this status, civil security only had a law dating back to 2012 to regulate its employees. But now, this new status promises a range of privileges such as retirement, health insurance, risk insurance, and significant salary improvements.
However, despite their daily sacrifices, some firefighters find themselves with monthly salaries as low as 45,000 francs or even less. However, all these shortcomings should be corrected once the status of personnel is fully implemented.
This process was partly triggered by a crisis in November 2021, when disrespectful remarks by the director of the Dgsc, Tachfine Ahmed, led to a strike among employees demanding improved working conditions. This mobilization ultimately led to the adoption of the status, with the implementing decree expected to be signed soon, according to reassurances from an Interior Ministry official.
Nevertheless, Dgsc agents remain impatient but find themselves limited in their actions due to their contractual status and the paramilitary nature of their corps, which prohibits any union action. Despite the expectations, the current director of the institution, Colonel Abdallah Rafik, states that the final decision lies with the government, emphasizing that the process is purely administrative.
Read the original article(French) on Comores Infos
