• Gabon launches fast-track review to clear teacher pay, status backlogs
• Around 3,000 teachers affected after strikes disrupted school term
• Education budget rises to 272.15 billion CFA francs in 2026

Gabon’s government has launched a fast-track review to clear administrative and pay backlogs affecting around 3,000 teachers, following talks held on Sunday, Jan. 11, between an interministerial task force and teachers’ representatives.

The move aims to resolve long-standing delays in appointments, reclassification, and salary arrears, while preventing further disruptions to public schooling after weeks of unrest.

Overseen by Vice President Hermann Immongault, the ministries of National Education, Finance and Civil Service have set up an expedited process covering permanent, contract and volunteer teachers whose employment or pay status had yet to be finalized. Officials say the measure is intended to provide greater job security and ensure regular payment.

The decision follows protests and strike action launched in December 2025 by the National Union of Teachers (SENA), the National Union of Technical and Vocational Teachers (SYNETECPRO) and the SOS Education collective, which accused authorities of dragging their feet on tenure, pay adjustments and working conditions. The walkout delayed the start of the school term, leaving many classrooms without teachers and raising concerns over syllabus backlogs.

The initiative comes as the education ministry’s 2026 budget rises to 272.15 billion CFA francs ($484 million), up by more than 130 billion from 2025. The government says the additional funding will support system upgrades and improve both learning conditions and teachers’ working environments.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou