# Cameroon university teachers strike continues

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cameroon-university-teachers-strike
> Updated: 2026-09-10T23:33:54.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

The National Union of Higher Education Teachers (SYNES) has maintained an indefinite strike across Cameroon’s eight state universities, which began on September 3, 2026. The union warns of a ‘dead academic year’ as all teaching and research activities remain suspended.

A primary driver of the strike is the accumulated academic debt, estimated at approximately 15.5 billion CFA francs between 2000 and 2021. While the government reports that roughly 41% (6.35 billion CFA francs) has been paid—with priority given to universities in Bamenda, Buea, and Maroua to mitigate regional tensions—the union demands full settlement. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance has initiated a census of floating state debt for the 2020-2025 period, suggesting the total debt may exceed previous estimates.

In addition to financial arrears for research modernization allowances, professors are protesting deteriorating working conditions, including inadequate infrastructure and low salaries. Tensions have escalated as SYNES refused to attend an emergency crisis meeting convened by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, on September 11. The union cited a lack of genuine dialogue and unrealistic deadlines as the reasons for their absence, continuing to call for an audience with the President.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Cameroon university strike continues over academic debt

Cameroon's higher education teachers (SYNES) are maintaining an indefinite strike over unpaid academic debt, refusing to attend government crisis meetings despite partial payments being made to select state-run

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cameroon-university-strike-continues-over-academic-debt

### 2026-09-06: Cameroon university teachers declare indefinite strike

Higher education teachers in Cameroon have launched an indefinite strike and declared a ‘dead academic year’ to protest unpaid research allowances, academic debt, and poor working conditions.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cameroon-university-teachers-declare-indefinite-strike

### 2026-08-24: Cameroon government and transport unions reach agreement to avert strike

Cameroon's government and transport unions have reached an agreement to prevent a national strike, addressing fuel costs, road conditions, and highway extortion through thirteen new resolutions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cameroon-government-and-transport-unions-reach-agreement-to-avert-strike

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