Libreville, Gabon — Teachers in Gabon appeared split on Monday over whether to prolong or end a strike that has kept most public schools closed since early January, according to local reports. Some educators returned to classrooms after officials repeated a pledge to settle unpaid salary arrears by 25 February, while others continued to stay away, saying past promises have not been met.
The divergent stance produced uneven attendance across the nine provinces, with schools in Libreville and surrounding areas reporting the highest number of reopened classrooms, regional officials confirmed.
The government statement released on Sunday urged “an immediate resumption of lessons” and reminded staff that February salary payments had been processed on time. Education authorities also circulated a form for teachers to sign, confirming their presence this week; copies seen by sources close to the ministry show blank columns in several provincial districts, indicating limited uptake. Parents waiting outside Leon-Mba lycée in the capital said they welcomed any sign of normal lessons but remained cautious.
“We were told classes would restart, yet only two teachers turned up for my son’s class,” one mother told local radio. Parent associations warned they will organise protests if the uncertainty extends beyond this week, according to independent observers. Unions that voted on 31 January to reject the government offer have not reversed their position.
The collective known as SOS Éducation, which groups several local federations, insisted in a short communique that “nothing tangible has changed” and called for nationwide pickets through at least Friday. How many members are heeding that call is hard to gauge; official figures have not been released and the movement has no central roll-call. President Brice Oligui Nguema, elected last April, has made resolving public-sector payment disputes a stated priority.
Officials said the treasury has allocated funds for the promised arrears but gave no public breakdown of amounts or beneficiaries.
The strike, now in its second month, risks pushing the school year further behind schedule. National exams for middle-school students are officially set for late March; education planners say any additional delay could force a calendar revision.
Further details are expected once the ministry completes its nationwide head — count later this week.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
