Gabonese unions wasted no time in bringing attention to the country’s social situation, just a day after the conclusions of the grand National Dialogue were presented. “None of the workers’ demands outlined in various manifestos have ever been taken into account,” emphasized a union delegate. Meanwhile, the transitional Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, urges patience, stating, “Change takes time. The country has inherited a legacy of longstanding issues.”
May Day fell squarely on the heels of the National Dialogue’s conclusions. The discussions stemming from the post-coup d’état consultation have birthed approximately a thousand recommendations, ranging from economic diversification to national preference in certain markets to nationalizations.
However, the social situation remains delicate: with 80,000 civil servants awaiting regularization, and discontent brewing within the judicial, educational, and oil sectors.
Raising the minimum wage, settling domestic debts, revising collective agreements… The coup d’état has not quelled social unrest. During the May Day celebrations in Libreville, despite the myriad recommendations from the Dialogue, unions did not hesitate to sound the alarm to those in power.
Guy Hervé Flore Pambou-Pambou of Cosineq appealed to the government and the transitional body, the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), stating, “None of the workers’ demands outlined in various manifestos have ever been taken into account. The CTRI allowed Gabonese citizens to dream, both in their minds and in their hearts, of a new Gabon, without upheaval, without fear. Currently, this dream no longer inspires confidence in a segment of the population, particularly the workers.”
The unions have demanded an increase in the minimum wage, settlement of domestic debts, and a revision of collective agreements.
“The social movements can deeply affect a country’s credibility,” reiterated the Prime Minister, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to regularization and improving labor laws. However, Raymond Ndong Sima emphasized the need for a peaceful social climate: “Social movements can deeply affect a country’s credibility. I hope that union organizations continue their outreach so that the legitimate exercise of their rights does not devolve into coercion. The transitional government fully understands the gravity of the situation. Nevertheless, change takes time. The country has inherited a legacy of longstanding issues.”
Authorities are hopeful that implementing the Dialogue’s recommendations will ease tensions and reignite the Gabonese economy.