Guinea-Bissau: Teacher strike delays start of school as of October 13

Event

The start of the school year, initially scheduled for October 2, continues to be delayed amid an ongoing (as of October 13) nationwide teacher strike. Teachers’ unions are protesting the government’s decision to delay the payment of September salaries to over 8000 civil servants, including 4000 teachers. According to the Ministry of Finance, salaries have been frozen pending an investigation into allegedly fictitious jobs and irregularities in hiring practices.

Teachers’ unions have announced that they will continue to strike until the government pays the late salaries, and have threaten to call for a general strike if the situation is not resolved.

Context

Guinea-Bissau, is notoriously unstable and has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Political instability has allowed it to become a major transit point for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe. Currently, the country is continuing to struggle with the political turmoil that came after President Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the ruling African Party for the independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and the president's own party, in August 2015.

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid all protests due to the possibility of violence and account for potential traffic disruptions.

In general, Guinea-Bissau is considered relatively safe, however travelers should be vigilant in Bissau, where high crime rates are reported, and along the border with Senegal (north), due to the presence of mines and occasional clashes that occur across the border in Senegalese Casamance. Given recent political turmoil, travelers are also advised to avoid all demonstrations and protests.