09 Jan 2018 | 08:37 PM UTC
Congo: Nationwide university staff strike ends Jan. 8 /update 1
University staff unions end indefinite strike after government agrees to pay wage arrears January 8
Event
University staff called off their indefinite strike on Monday, January 8, following successful negotiations with the government. The staff are returning to work after the government reportedly agreed to pay three months of wage arrears and hold further negotiations on unpaid wages.
Context
University staff launched an indefinite strike on September 1, 2017, to demand the payment of wage arrears.
The Republic of Congo is facing a massive debt crisis, with public debt reaching 117 percent of GDP. The government has struggled to pay salaries and entitlements since the collapse of oil prices in 2014.
Advice
Individuals in the Republic of Congo are advised to monitor developments to the situation and, in the event of further actions, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.
