Teachers observe strike in DR Congo

By Rodrigue Forku

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AA) – Two main Teachers’ organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have called for a strike over unpaid allowances, according to a statement.

The Congo Teachers Union (SYECO) and the National Union of Catholic Teachers (SYNECAT), said the strike will be observed every Monday and Tuesday and will also include a sit-in outside Education Ministry.

The decision came after discussions between the unions and government representatives belonging to Teachers' Payroll and Control Service failed.

Teachers are also demanding the cancellation of all orders and assignment commissions signed by Minister of Education Willys Bakonga.

Earlier this month Bakonga had said that 58,000 new primary school teachers will be paid by October and rest will be paid as soon as the means are available.

The strike comes just a few weeks after the Central African country reopened schools after seven months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic that has infected over 11,000 people.

The resumption of schools was initially scheduled for Aug. 3, but it was postponed due to ‘’technical and administrative reasons.’’