Angola: Teachers' union suspends nationwide strike until Jan. 16 pending authorities' response /update 1

Event

The Angolan National Teachers' Syndicate (SINPROF) announced it was suspending its nationwide strike until Jan. 16, pending the outcome of negotiations with authorities. They have given the Ministry of Education time to respond to a memorandum of demands for tax rebates, an end to the privatization of public schools, and increased public funding. SINPROF had intended on striking from Jan. 3-Jan. 31, 2023, following two previous waves of strike action Nov. 23-Nov. 30 and Dec. 6-Dec. 16, 2022. The Union is highly divided on their collective bargaining, with half of the provincial representatives reportedly wishing to continue the strike.

Localized and spontaneous protests in the vicinity of public schools and government buildings remain possible, especially in Luanda. Should demonstrations materialize, heightened security and localized traffic disruptions are likely. Clashes may also occur if protesters are overly disruptive or police forcibly disperse gatherings.

Advice

Avoid all protests to mitigate associated disruptions. Abide by all official directives.