Teachers respond to Biya’s threats with a renewed strike

Following President Paul Biya’s recent comments addressing the challenges faced by Cameroonian teachers, members of the Cameroon Teachers Union for Africa – SECA have embarked on a four-day strike in response.

The official announcement of the strike was made through a communiqué signed on January 1, 2024, with the union declaring that the strike would be in effect from January 2 to January 5, 2023.

In his New Year’s Eve address on December 31, President Paul Biya declared a strong stance against the ongoing strikes by teachers in Cameroon. Expressing frustration over the recurrent disruptions, Biya pledged to take decisive measures to ensure stability in the education sector.

The union’s communiqué acknowledged the President’s emphasis on providing conducive conditions for teachers in their noble profession but questioned the government’s approach, accusing it of adopting a policy of delay and attrition in addressing teachers’ demands.

“SECA followed with great attention the end-of-year speech of the Head of State, which once again highlighted his concern to see teachers benefit from appropriate conditions for the exercise of their noble profession… It therefore also calls into question the government, which maintains a policy of procrastination and attrition in resolving teachers’ demands,” the communiqué stated.

The union took the opportunity to commend teachers who actively participated in previous strikes, advocating for the automation of the financial impact of teachers’ career actions, support for 2021 and 2022 promotions, and the payment of outstanding debts to teachers.

Reiterating the importance of constructive dialogue, the union emphasised that such discussions should involve recognised unions to address teachers’ aspirations and concerns effectively.

“Clearly, the debate is settled; the Special Status of teachers and other demands must be taken into account during this dialogue. While waiting for this to happen, teachers are invited to be part of this protest from January 2 to 5, 2024,” the union announced.

Cameroonian teachers, discontent with unmet demands, initiated their first strike in April 2023 and later disrupted Teacher’s Day celebrations with another in October.

Mimi Mefo Info