Gabon: Teacher Union Leaders Remain Detained Amid Negotiation Demands. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The leaders of Gabon’s SOS Éducation teacher union, Marcel Libama and Simon Ndong Edzo, remain in custody despite a conditional demand for their release by the collective to initiate negotiations with the government. Local reports indicate that despite circulating rumors of their impending release, as of January 26, 2026, neither Libama nor Edzo have been freed.
According to a source syndical proche des incarcérés, the release of the two union leaders has not yet been granted, and the situation is said to be at a standstill. Both the union and the families of the detained leaders have confirmed this information up to the time of this report. Officials commented on the matter.
SOS Éducation has reaffirmed its stance that the release of Libama and Edzo is a prerequisite for any negotiations with the government.
The government has not yet commented on the situation, and it remains unclear when or if the negotiations will begin.
The union’s demand for the release of its leaders before any discussions take place underscores the complexity of the ongoing labor dispute in the education sector.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
The Gabonese government’s response to the union’s demands could have significant implications for the ongoing strike and the broader education system in the country.
