Gabon: Taxi strikeover fuel prices possible Feb. 7

Event

Four transportation worker unions held a strike in the capital Libreville on Monday, February 5, to protest a sharp rise in fuel prices as well as acts of extortion perpetrated by police officers. The unions have threatened to hold a second strike nationwide on Wednesday, February 7, if the government does not address their demands, e.g. lowering the price of fuel and taking measures to sanction guilty police officers. If the strike goes ahead, significant traffic disruptions are possible nationwide, notably if striking workers erect roadblocks.

Context

The price of fuel has seen a sharp increase since early December. The price of regular gasoline had increased by CFA 605 (USD 1.09) per liter, and the price of diesel by CFA 540 (USD 0.97) per liter.

Numerous protests have taken place in Gabon in recent months, mostly over socioeconomic issues and to denounce government austerity policies. The Gabonese economy has suffered from the fall in global oil prices, upon which most of the country's revenues depend. Port-Gentil, the economic capital where oil activities are concentrated, has been especially hard-hit.

Advice

All those present in Gabon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, which can flare up with little warning.