Gabon/National Assembly Calls for Urgent Mediation Amid Education Sector Strike. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The President of Gabon’s National Assembly, Michel Régis Onanga Ndiaye, has convened an emergency mediation session with representatives from education unions to address the ongoing strike threatening the academic year.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Palais Léon Mba, the seat of the National Assembly, according to the Gabonese Press Agency.
The strike, which has been in effect since the beginning of January, has severely impacted the education sector, raising concerns about the potential loss of the school year.
In response, the National Assembly has taken a proactive stance, appointing Jean — Gaspard Ntoutoume Ayi as a mediator in the crisis.
The assembly’s intervention comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the government and the striking unions that have reached an impasse.
The meeting aims to facilitate dialogue between the parties and resolve the teachers’and staff members’grievances. Each union is required to send only four representatives to the meeting, which is set to take place in the Jonas Ovono Assoumou Hall at the Palais Léon Mba.
The strike, which has been fueled by issues such as unpaid salaries, career regularization, bonuses, and poor infrastructure, has highlighted the broader challenges within the public sector.
The situation reflects the ongoing tensions and labor unrest that have emerged since the 2023 military takeover and the subsequent establishment of transitional institutions.
The fate of the education sector hangs in the balance as the outcome of the mediation efforts remains uncertain. Teachers have been firm in their demands, with one Facebook post urging colleagues to remain united.
Meanwhile, another post hints at broader political grievances, suggesting skepticism toward official mediation and potential government promises.
The situation is being closely watched as the strike’s resolution could have significant implications for the country’s educational system and its economic and social stability. Further details are expected as the mediation process unfolds.
According to regional officials, the assembly’s involvement is a crucial step toward resolving the crisis and ensuring the continuity of education services.
However, the effectiveness of the mediation remains to be seen, especially in light of the deep — seated issues that have driven the strike.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
