01 Jan 2018 | 09:33 PM UTC
Burkina Faso: Teachers to strike January 9-11
Teachers plan 72-hour strike January 9-11; avoid all demonstrations as a precaution
Event
On December 22, the National Coordination of Education Unions (CNSE) announced that teachers’ unions plan to hold a 72-hour strike from Tuesday, January 9, through Thursday, January 11. Unless negotiations succeed and union leaders call off the strike, protests will likely occur throughout the country, including in the capital city of Ouagadougou, during the work stoppage.
Context
The public education system in Burkina Faso has been paralyzed since October by protests and strikes launched by both students and teachers. Teachers are demanding that the government improve education equipment and facilities, allocate a greater portion of the state budget to education, and raise salaries and housing stipends for all education staff.
Advice
Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to risk of violence and anticipate potential transportation disruptions in the immediate vicinity of large public gatherings.