In Cotonou, representatives from three organizations advocating for Aspirants to the Teaching Profession (AME) voiced mounting frustration over the government’s prolonged silence regarding their promised integration into the civil service.
At a joint press conference held at the Cotonou Labour Exchange, the National Melting Pot for AME (CNAME), the Secondary School AME Defense and Solidarity Platform (PNDSAS-SN), and the “Aspirant Negotiate Your Cause” (ANTC) platform condemned what they described as the authorities’ “prolonged inaction.”
Rodoine Montanh, spokesperson for CNAME, delivered a stark assessment on behalf of the groups: “It is unimaginable that in 2025, teachers who work daily for national education are still treated as service providers, marginalized and without any prospect of stability.”
Despite serving for over six years, these aspiring teachers continue to endure precarious working conditions. The groups specifically referenced the Council of Ministers’ decision on 7 December 2022, which pledged a phased transfer of AMEs to the status of State Public Law Contract Agents (ACDPE). Yet this promise remains unfulfilled.
The platforms accused the government of employing “diversionary and divisive tactics” aimed at delaying their mobilisation efforts. “Instead of frank dialogue and concrete implementation of the announced decisions, we have been treated to confused statements and a total lack of political will,” they lamented.
Faced with this ongoing stalemate, the organizations are demanding immediate and unconditional transfer of AMEs into the civil service ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year. For the leaders, this step is vital not only to uphold the professional dignity of teachers but also to safeguard the future of Benin’s education system.
They also sounded the alarm over many aspiring teachers nearing retirement age without ever having secured a stable employment status, warning of the potentially devastating impact on the teaching profession if their demands remain unmet.
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