A crucial working session held at the Palais de la Marina, led by Romuald Wadagni, has brought significant optimism to Anselme Amoussou, the Secretary General of the Confédération des syndicats autonomes du Bénin (CSA-Bénin). This development stands out as a major milestone in African society news, demonstrating how structured dialogue can resolve long-standing labor disputes.
The meeting, which brought together various trade unions and representatives of the Aspirants au Métier d’Enseignant (AME), resulted in concrete decisions that address long-standing professional demands just before the start of the academic year.
Amoussou commended the constructive dialogue and the genuine determination shown by the authorities, noting that the attitude of the executive reflects a sincere political desire to permanently resolve the issues facing contract educators.
Key achievements secured for contract teachers
The negotiations yielded several historic advancements for the status of these educators. First, the requirement to undergo a new evaluation test has been completely scrapped. Instead, direct recruitment will be processed based on credentials, experience, and classroom performance, provided the teacher has completed three consecutive contracts.
Furthermore, these professionals will now be integrated under the status of Agent contractuel de droit public des collectivités territoriales décentralisées (ACDPCTD). This framework ensures balanced supervision between sector ministries and local municipalities, while significantly easing access to bank credit and financial services.
Social security benefits are also safeguarded. Continuous enrollment in the Caisse nationale de sécurité sociale (CNSS) will be maintained without administrative interruptions. Additionally, age limits have been aligned with public service standards—set at 35 years for categories C and D, and 40 years for categories A and B—ensuring that agents can accumulate the 15 years of contributions required for a retirement pension.
In terms of execution, priority will be given to the 2019 cohort, which represents more than half of the total workforce, before the integration process is gradually extended to other groups.
This landmark agreement marks a major step in ending job insecurity for thousands of educators, paving the way for a peaceful and stable school year across Bénin.
