Gabon’s Education Crisis: Ex-PM Blames Lack of Government Response. Libreville, Gabon — 5 February 2026 (AGP) – In an interview with TV5MONDE Afrique on 4 February 2026, former Prime Minister and president of the Ensemble pour le Gabon (EPG) party, Alain Claude Billie-By-Nze, discussed the ongoing crisis in the national education sector, among other key issues affecting Gabon. Billie-By-Nze highlighted the absence of a response from authorities as the most notable aspect of the current education crisis.
According to Billie — By-Nze, the crisis is not new but the lack of response from authorities is. He noted that the main demands of teachers are for regular salary payments, administrative integration, and the regularization of their professional status, without seeking special privileges.
The former government leader called for a sincere and lasting dialogue between the government and teachers, emphasizing the need for the government to address the issues over the long term.
Regarding the economic situation, Billie — By-Nze expressed concern over the increasing public debt of Gabon, which he said has surpassed the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) convergence criterion of 70%. He projected that the national debt would reach 80% of the GDP by the end of 2026 and 85% in 2027.
On the diplomatic front, Billie — By-Nze claimed that Gabon is now absent from the international diplomatic scene, attributing this to recent restrictions and decisions that have weakened the country’s international influence.
He cited visa restrictions for some Gabonese citizens and the closure of Australian borders to Gabon as examples.
According to regional officials, the education crisis has led to disruptions in the academic calendar and has raised concerns about the future of education in Gabon.
The government has not yet commented on the former Prime Minister’s statements.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
