Lambaréné, Gabon – May 5, 2026 – Employees of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital (HAS) in Lambaréné have entered their third week of a strike, demanding the payment of five months of unpaid salaries and addressing long-standing issues that have left them feeling neglected by the government.
The strike, which has garnered attention across the Gabonese public sector, has become part of a wider wave of strikes, including those in education, television, and media, all stemming from years of neglect and mismanagement. Despite promises from the government to resolve the issue, the workers remain determined to push for the full payment of seven months of unpaid bonuses and improved working conditions.
The situation at HAS highlights the broader challenges facing Gabon’s public sector, a reminder of past strikes in 2009 when health workers demanded higher wages and better equipment. This current strike, however, has deeper roots, with workers citing persistent issues that have spanned over a decade. Regional officials warn that the government’s promises are insufficient, and without concrete actions, the situation could worsen.
While the government has recently paid the salaries of non — permanent workers, the hospital employees are still awaiting the full payment of 7 months of unpaid bonuses.
The strike has also emphasized the need for better working conditions in the public sector, including modern equipment and adequate staffing to provide quality care to patients.
The situation in Gabon is part of a larger trend in the Global South, where labor strikes are on the rise as workers demand better wages, improved conditions, and greater accountability from their governments.
As the strike at HAS continues, the government faces increasing pressure to find a resolution that addresses the workers’concerns.
The strike is not only a battle for the health workers but also a symbol of the broader struggle for accountability and fair wages in Gabon’s public sector.
The strike at the HAS remains a focal point of the growing discontent in Gabon’s public sector. With no resolution in sight, the situation could escalate, affecting the country’s already struggling health system and the wider economy.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
