The education professions want the government to address issues linked to their unpaid salaries and other major concerns.
Cameroonian Teachers’ Trade Union, known by its French acronym SYNECAM, has declared an impending strike set to commence on January 15, 2025. The strike is expected to cut across public primary and secondary schools in Cameroon, as educators seek to compel the government to address critical demands including a special status for teachers and the settlement of outstanding debts. In a bold move signalling escalating tensions in Cameroon education sector, the Teachers’ Trade Union, SYNECAM has announced plans for an indefinite strike beginning January 15, 2025.
The decision comes as the union, led by the President of SYNECAM Edouard Essouma, aims to pressure the government into reopening dialogue and addressing long-standing grievances that have plagued educators for years. Among the primary demands set forth by SYNECAM are the signing and implementation of a special status for teachers, which advocates argue is essential for recognizing the unique challenges faced by educators.
Additionally, the union is calling for the payment of debts owed to teachers, many of whom have reported receiving unpaid salaries that date back several years. The announcement of the strike follows a tumultuous year in which the education of hundreds of thousands of children was severely disrupted due to protests by teachers. These demonstrations highlighted widespread discontent over deteriorating working conditions and financial instability within the education system.
In an address to the nation on December 31, last year, President Biya acknowledged the ongoing dialogue between the government and teachers’ unions, but concerns remain as educators’ express frustration over the lack of tangible progress. The impending strike raises significant questions about the future of education in Cameroon and the potential impact on students who have already faced interruptions in their learning.
As January 15 approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s response and whether meaningful negotiations can avert what could become a protracted standoff between educators and authorities. The stakes are high, not only for teachers seeking justice but also for the countless students whose education hangs in the balance.
