A collective of 18 Central African trade unions has accused Masua Gogi of actively undermining demands previously presented to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. The unions made these accusations during a press conference held on August 21, 2026, in Bangui. They claim Gogi's actions are designed to weaken the unions' negotiating position regarding their grievances and to compromise the integrity of their representation. The collective specifically alleges that Masua Gogi is leading efforts to destabilize the united front of the trade unions, thereby hindering their capacity to advocate effectively for workers' rights.
Key Demands Presented
The collective of 18 Central African trade unions formally presented its demands to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra on July 3, 2026. This presentation occurred at the Cité des chefs d’État, with the Prime Minister and other government members in attendance. The unions submitted a full memorandum to the President outlining their key grievances and requests, detailing the urgent need for reforms and improvements across various sectors. This memorandum serves as the foundation for their ongoing dialogue with the government.
Among the core demands, the memorandum calls for a 40% increase in salaries for all civil servants and state employees. This significant raise is sought to address the erosion of purchasing power and to ensure a dignified standard of living for public sector workers. It also seeks a 35% revaluation of retirement pensions, aiming to improve the financial well-being of retirees who have dedicated years of service to the nation. This revaluation is deemed key to provide adequate support for the elderly population. A long-standing issue noted in the document is the signing of the decree for the general status of public service, which the unions note has been pending for 17 years. The enactment of this decree is considered vital for establishing clear regulations and career paths for civil servants.
The unions request the immediate settlement of salary arrears owed to workers, a persistent issue that has caused financial hardship for many families. They also advocate for significant improvements to health facility equipment and a strengthening of medical staff skills across the country, emphasizing the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens. Infrastructure development is another priority, with demands for the development of rural roads and tracks to improve connectivity and facilitate economic activity in remote areas. In the education sector, the memorandum calls for the appointment of qualified teachers to educational structures to enhance the quality of instruction, and the construction of two new universities, specifically in Bouar and Bambari, to expand access to higher education in underserved regions. These full demands show the unions' commitment to systemic improvements across public services and infrastructure.
Accusations Against Gogi
The collective of 18 Central African trade unions has accused Masua Gogi and the Coordination des organisations syndicales pour la consolidation des acquis sociaux (COSCAS) of deliberately undermining their efforts. The unions claim Gogi and COSCAS sent a letter to political authorities on July 14, which contained false information intended to discredit the 18 central unions. This alleged communication aimed to weaken the unions' standing and influence with the government, thereby jeopardizing their collective bargaining power. The collective views this action as a direct attempt to sow discord and derail their legitimate demands.
The collective has accused leaders within COSCAS of pursuing personal gain, specifically alleging that they seek positions in government cabinets or diplomatic representations. The 18 central unions state that such actions prioritize individual benefits over the collective interests of workers, leading to a betrayal of the union movement's core principles. This pursuit of personal advantages, according to the collective, compromises the integrity of union representation and undermines the trust placed in union leaders by their members. The unions argue that such self-serving motives distract from the critical issues facing the workforce.
The 18 central unions have also denounced perceived links between some union leaders and political authorities. They assert that these practices significantly weaken the unions' ability to effectively defend the rights and interests of workers, as such connections can lead to conflicts of interest and a reluctance to challenge government policies robustly. The collective maintains that such connections create conflicts of interest, thereby hindering the unions' capacity to advocate impartially and forcefully for their members' demands. These alleged ties, they contend, erode the independence and credibility essential for effective unionism.
Union Actions and Legal Steps
Union leaders convened a debriefing meeting at the Bourse du travail on July 11 to define common actions and solidify their strategy in response to the perceived undermining efforts. This meeting was key for reinforcing unity among the 18 central unions and planning their next steps. To support the collective's activities, a financial contribution of 20,000 CFA francs is required from general secretaries, demonstrating a commitment from leadership to fund their collective initiatives and sustain their advocacy efforts. This financial commitment shows the seriousness with which the unions are pursuing their objectives.
In a related development, a legal procedure involving certain union leaders has been initiated with the territorial gendarmerie brigade. This action follows instructions from the Bangui prosecutor's office, indicating the severity of the allegations and the official response to the unfolding situation. The unions involved are invoking international labor standards, specifically ILO Conventions 88 and 98, which concern union rights and freedom of association. These conventions underpin their arguments regarding the legitimacy of their demands and their operational autonomy, providing an international legal framework for their claims against interference and for the protection of their collective bargaining rights. The invocation of these conventions notes the unions' commitment to uphold fundamental labor principles.
