LIBREVILLE, Jan. 28 (AGCNewsNet) – Gabon’s education system remains largely paralysed as thousands of teachers continue a nationwide strike now in its sixth week, protesting a decade-long freeze on wages and unresolved career grievances.

The strike, which has shut classrooms across the country, marks the first major wave of social unrest under President Brice Oligui Nguema, who took power in a military coup in August 2023. Teachers say years of unmet demands have pushed them to the brink.

“Today, we are in a situation where we are forced to express our anger, to say that enough is enough,” said French teacher Junior Anguila Obame. He added that the action was not only about teachers’ welfare but also about the future of students, stressing that a strong education system is essential to building a strong nation.

Although the government has agreed to negotiations through a mediator, striking unions have set conditions before classes can resume. The coalition leading the movement – which includes the National Union of Teachers (SENA), the National Union of Technical and Vocational Teachers, and the group SOS Education – is demanding, among other things, the release of two union members jailed for supporting the strike.

While SOS Education has since called for a return to classrooms, many teachers have remained on strike, underscoring divisions within the movement and continued frustration with the authorities.

SENA Secretary General Magloire Memiaga said the dispute reflects long-standing structural problems in the sector. “Since 1990, teachers have been raising issues such as the formalisation of administrative situations, which boil down to careers, working conditions, and the constitution of educational establishments,” he said.

In response, the government has launched a fast-track review aimed at clearing salary arrears, resolving delays in appointments, and addressing status backlogs. Authorities have also significantly increased the education budget, raising it from about $237 million in 2025 to $496 million for 2026.

Despite these measures, the standoff continues, leaving students out of school and highlighting the challenges facing Gabon’s new leadership as it grapples with deep-rooted social and economic demands.

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