Libreville, Gabon — Gabon’s vice-president, Hermann Immongault, convened oil-sector union leaders Friday to ward off a possible work stoppage that could cut the nation’s primary revenue flows, according to official statements issued after the closed-door session. No formal strike date has been filed, but sources close to the labour groups said some members have pushed for action over unpaid bonuses and working-conditions complaints. Immongault’s intervention comes as teachers and other public servants remain in parallel wage talks, placing additional strain on a government already facing heightened social pressure.
Independent observers note that petroleum exports supply roughly 40 percent of state revenue and more than 70 percent of foreign-currency earnings.
A one — to two-week halt could quickly erode already thin fiscal space, an outcome the International Monetary Fund has repeatedly flagged as a key risk in its latest 2025/26 country review. Official statements indicate Gabon’s current daily output hovers near 220,000 barrels per day, down from late-1990s levels of 370,000.
Previous output losses in 2016 and 2017 forced emergency borrowing after production dipped 10-15 percent during brief strikes, government figures show.
Senior labour delegates left Friday’s meeting without comment, and ministry officials said discussions would resume next week. Further details are expected once both sides complete internal consultations.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
