Guinea: Protests in Conakry against ongoing teachers strike Nov. 20

Event

Public school students protested on the streets of Conakry on Monday, November 20, as an ongoing teachers strike entered its second week. The students are reportedly protesting the lack of teachers in their classrooms due to the strike. On Monday, demonstrators blocked parts of the Fidel Castro highway and the Route le prince. Protests also took place in the Cimenterie, Kagbelen, Tomboleya, Lansanaya, Kountia, and KM 36 neighborhoods. Minor clashes broke out between the police and protesters, but no injures were reported. Further protests and associated transportation delays are likely in the coming days.

Context

The teachers are continuing the nationwide, indefinite strike despite calls from the government and other unions to lift the strike. Three union representatives were reportedly detained on Saturday, November 18, and are being held at an undisclosed location. Security officials reported that the three leaders were detained for allegedly disturbing public order and calling for an illegal strike.

The strike began on November 13, with teachers demanding complete implementation of a wage increase agreement made between the government and union representatives in September 2016. However, the strike is not support by all members of the Free Union of Teachers and Researchers of Guinea (SLECG). Since November 13, small sporadic protests by students have occurred in Conakry, demanding that the teachers return to work.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly Conakry, are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests.