Human rights council seeks student input into strike

As a lecturers’ and researchers’ union at the University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, called a strike, the national human rights council organised a meeting with students asking them to recommend ways to “improve the socio-academic environment” in an attempt to stop strikes and other disruptions at universities.

The union, CNEC (Coordination Nationale des Enseignants-Chercheurs et Chercheurs de Côte d'Ivoire), called for strike action this week after the university authorities punished eight of its members for demanding payment of their December salaries and research bonuses before 24 December, Abidjan-based Fraternité Matin reported.

CNEC issued a declaration regretting that “in spite of repeated appeals for order and respect of union rules and procedures, we increasingly observe unacceptable declarations and attitudes by those holding the highest positions of responsibility of the national executive bureau and departments of the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny”, and announcing its decision to suspend all activities at the university.

Meanwhile, the national human rights council, the CNDH, organised a consultation with about 100 students at the university. Its chair Namizata Sangaré, concerned by regular disruption at Félix Houphouët-Boigny, said the event was to “collect constructive proposals from the students to contribute to improving the socio-academic environment in Ivorian universities", Fraternité Matin reported.

Sangaré said the CNDH had prepared a report after several visits to the university which had been sent to the government and President Alassane Ouattara. A further meeting was scheduled with teachers’ representatives. The initiative was financially supported by the Israeli embassy, reported Fraternité Matin. – Compiled by Jane Marshall

This article is drawn from local media. University World News cannot vouch for the accuracy of the original reports.