Agents at the Goma volcanic observatory have been on strike since Thursday October 26. Their main demand concerns the payment of their incentive bonus for monitoring volcanoes. This bonus was granted by the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi following the volcanic eruption of Nyiragongo in May 2021.
Unfortunately, the agents claim that this bonus was never properly paid and that they are left to fend for themselves despite the risks they face in their work. In addition to the payment of the incentive bonus, they are also demanding the payment of four months of economic and social intervention bonus, as well as operating costs.
The union delegation from the volcanic observatory also demands the resignation of the management committee, believing that it has not been able to meet the needs and expectations of the agents.
These agents emphasize the importance of their work monitoring the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes. They warn of the harmful consequences in the event of a lack of adequate monitoring, and call on national and provincial authorities to act to resolve this situation.
Despite the strike, agents say they remain attentive to any initiative aimed at finding a solution to their problems. They hope for a return to normal of their routine activities, thus guaranteeing the safety of the population living near the volcanoes.
It is essential that the authorities take these demands seriously and quickly find a solution to ensure the safety of the volcano observatory agents and the surrounding population. Volcano monitoring is a crucial mission to prevent eruptions and avoid natural disasters. Officers deserve to be supported and adequately compensated for their essential work.