USTM teachers in Gabon maintain strike over pay and infrastructure

The National Union of Teacher-Researchers (SNEC) at the Masuku University of Science and Technology (USTM) in Gabon has decided to maintain its strike following a general assembly. The union stated that conditions for a peaceful academic year have not yet been met.

Key grievances include inadequate infrastructure, specifically the need for laboratory equipment, classroom furniture, and the upgrading of the multipurpose hall. However, the primary demand remains the payment of adjunct faculty fees. Although a 700 million CFA franc fund was released by presidential instruction to address these debts, the union claims the funds were not fully utilized to pay all eligible staff. Additionally, the union is calling for improvements regarding young teachers who face nearly three years of unpaid salaries. The ongoing strike has raised concerns among students regarding delays in the 2025-2026 academic calendar.