Teachers in Inongo Demand Unpaid Salaries, Vandalize Offices
Inongo, the capital of the Mai-Ndombe province, was thrown into chaos as teachers took to the streets demanding their long-overdue salaries. The protests took a violent turn as Caritas and the National Directorate of Teachers’ Control and Payment (DINACOPE) offices were targeted, resulting in vandalism and destruction.
Violent Protests and Vandalism
Witnesses reported that the Caritas office, responsible for teachers’ payroll, bore the brunt of the protesters’ anger. Stones were hurled at the staff and the building, causing significant damage to a hardware store, a construction site, a billboard, and a solar power plant. The head of Caritas in Inongo, Father Emmanuel Ndoyite, condemned the violence, describing it as a disgraceful act by educators who should uphold ethical standards.
Blame Game and Financial Delays
Father Ndoyite clarified that Caritas had not received the necessary funds from the government, disputing accusations of withholding December salaries. He emphasized that the delayed payments were due to the state’s failure to transfer funds to the Interdiocesan Fund (IFOD) for Caritas’ operations, absolving the organization of any wrongdoing.
Impact on Education and Legal Action
The protests also targeted the DINACOPE offices, causing extensive damage to vital equipment, doors, and a vehicle. Lucien Kambiya, the provincial director of DINACOPE, highlighted the severe repercussions of the vandalism on teacher mechanization processes and administrative functions, affecting the educational system in Mai-Ndombe. Legal action has been initiated against the perpetrators, with a public prosecutor sent to assess the extent of the damages.
As tensions escalate in Inongo due to prolonged salary disputes, teachers continue to express their discontent over partial payments. With only November salaries disbursed and two months’ worth pending, the threat of a full-blown strike looms unless their grievances are addressed promptly.
Remember a time in school when you eagerly awaited your first paycheck as a teacher, only to face delays that impacted your livelihood? Imagine the frustration and desperation that led these educators to resort to drastic measures to demand what is rightfully theirs. Let’s reflect on the importance of timely and fair compensation for our teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the future generation.