13 May 2019 | 09:14 PM UTC
Côte d'Ivoire: Nationwide teacher strikes expected May 14-17, May 20 onward /update 1
Teachers’ union calls for a nationwide strike from May 14-17, with a related, indefinite strike planned from May 20; associated demonstrations likely over the coming weeks
Event
The COSEF-CI union has called for primary and secondary school teachers to participate in a nationwide strike from Tuesday, May 14, to Friday, May 17, to demand improved working conditions and housing allowances. A related, indefinite strike has also been called by the National Coordination of Teachers Researchers of Côte d'Ivoire (CNCE), representing post-secondary teachers, from Monday, May 20.
Associated protests by teachers are possible throughout Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in Abidjan, over the coming days and weeks.
Context
Teachers have launched a series of strikes since January 22 to demand better salaries, the payment of bonuses and housing fees, and class-free days on Wednesdays. Student protests subsequently broke out in response to work stoppages by teachers, with the Student Federation of Cote d'Ivoire (FESCI) claiming that the teachers have not obtained any concessions from the government and teachers. FESCI has threatened to continue sporadic protests until their demands are satisfied.
Advice
Individuals across Côte d'Ivoire are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
