Ivory Coast: National civil servant strike May 8-12

Event

Civil servant unions launched a five-day strike beginning on Monday, May 8, which will continue through Friday, May 12. The strike marks the end of a social truce implemented at the request of President Alassane Ouattara, made during a speech to the nation on May 1. This new strike was launched to denounce the vague government position regarding the payment of salary arrears. The strike is likely to continue beyond Friday and protests cannot be ruled out if an agreement is not reached between the unions and the government. 

Context

A civil servant strike, which mainly affected the education sector, was launched on January 9. Despite the fact that civil servant unions officially suspended the movement on January 27, following negotiations with the government, some issues remained such as the payment of salary arrears. On May, 1, the president called for a social truce to facilitate discussions.

Advice

Those present in Ivory Coast are advised to avoid any protests and to keep abreast of the situation.