Angola: Nationwide 15-day teachers’ strike April 9-27

Event

A nationwide 15-day teachers' strike began in Angola on Monday, April 9. The strike is expected to disrupt academic classes in primary and secondary public schools through Friday, April 27. The strike and associated disruptions to classes may be extended if no agreement is reached between the organizers of the strike - the National Union of Teachers (SINPROF) - and the Angolan government. Associated demonstrations cannot be ruled out.

Context

The teachers' strike, organized by SINPROF, is a renewal of strike actions previously suspended in 2017, when the Angolan Ministry of Education made commitments to address the demands that teachers had put forward since 2013. The striking teachers have claimed that the government has not adequately addressed their concerns; they demand that the Angolan government approve a career structure for teachers, which has implications for salaries, and that the Ministry of Education first promote teachers already in service before admitting new teachers.

The Angolan government, for its part, has claimed that it has addressed the teachers' demands or has made commitments to address them, and has requested that the striking teachers return to work and that classes resume.

Advice

Individuals in Angola are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all potential demonstrations and protests as a precaution, and heed all advice issued by the local authorities.