Franceville, Gabon — June 6, 2026 – The University of Sciences and Techniques of Masuku (USTM) in Franceville, Gabon, is facing a halt to the second semester’s academic calendar due to a standoff over unpaid vacation salaries for teachers.
The Gabonese Press Agency reported that the impasse has been ongoing, and the situation has now reached a critical point, with the teachers’union vowing to continue its strike action until the matter is resolved.
The strike action, which commenced in January 2026, was initially sparked by the non-payment of vacation salaries and academic bonuses, which teachers in the Gabonese education sector deemed insufficient.
The strike has led to significant social tension and has impacted both primary and higher education institutions across the country.
The USTM’s academic calendar was poised to resume on June 6th; however, the non-payment of vacation salaries to its teaching staff has derailed those plans.
According to the Gabonese Press Agency, the teachers’union, which represents the USTM faculty, has demanded that each teacher cease any additional work until the vacation salaries from the previous academic year are paid.
The situation at the USTM has highlighted the deepening crisis in the education sector, reflecting Gabon’s broader financial constraints. These constraints have been exacerbated by the 2023 military coup, which led to a period of political uncertainty and economic instability.
The non — payment of vacation salaries has become a critical issue, not only affecting the USTM but also the entire education sector in Gabon.
As the USTM’s academic year hangs in the balance, the future of education in Gabon is under threat, and the international community is closely watching the developments.
*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
