Libreville, Gabon — Public schoolteachers in Gabon voted unanimously on 31 January to extend a strike that has kept classrooms shut nationwide since 5 January, rejecting what the government calls “significant concessions” aimed at ending the month-long standoff.
According to local reports, the teachers’ collective “SOS Education” insists the release of two detained union leaders on 26 January did not meet their full demands for immediate career regularisation and better working conditions.
The government signed a preliminary deal in mid — January and set up a joint commission, but educators say key items remain pending.
Official statements indicate around 90 percent of teaching staff are staying away, the highest turnout unions can recall. Public primary and secondary schools have not reopened in any of the country’s eight provinces, and parallel meetings held on Saturday returned the same vote in seven regions, regional officials confirmed.
The government has not published a full response to the latest vote, but sources close to the ministry say it sees the continuing walkout as “unnecessary” after wage advances were paid and negotiation channels opened.
Independent observers say the impasse risks deepening mistrust between the six — month-old transitional administration and a sector already hit by late promotions and unpaid allowances. Unions maintain the stoppage will last “until total satisfaction” of their grievances.
Some members have floated the name of former civilian prime minister Raymond Ndong Sima as a possible mediator, though it remains unclear whether the authorities will accept outside help.
Further details are expected once the education minister returns from an ongoing African Union gathering in Addis Ababa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
