Côte d’Ivoire: Teachers partially resume nationwide strike March 6 /update 2

Event

On Wednesday, March 6, a spokesman for the Coalition of Education and Training Sector of Côte d'Ivoire (COSEFCI) announced that the union would resume its strike after negotiations broke down with the government earlier in the week. The teachers had previously agreed to suspend their nationwide strike for one month on Sunday, March 3, to allow for talks. However, COSEFCI leaders claim that the teachers have not obtained any concessions from the government and teachers will continue their protest until their demands are satisfied. Some union leaders have called for educators to return to work and denounced efforts to prevent non-striking teachers from resuming classes. Associated protests are possible throughout the country in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Teachers were on strike since January 22 to demand better salaries, the payment of bonuses and housing fees, and class-free days on Wednesdays. Student protests erupted nationwide to denounce the strike.

On February 18, the secretary general of the National Coordination of Teachers Researchers of Côte d'Ivoire (CNEC) and his communication officer were arrested in Abidjan on charges of disturbing the public order, increasing tensions between the government and protesters.

Advice

Individuals in Côte d'Ivoire are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate public demonstrations and localized transportation disruptions, and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.