Guinea: Protests in Conakry over ongoing teachers’ strike Dec. 5 /update 1

Event

Public school students protested on the streets of Conakry on Tuesday, December 5, as an ongoing teachers strike entered its fourth week. The students are reportedly protesting the absence of teachers from their classrooms due to the strike. On Tuesday, demonstrators blocked roads between Cosa and Hamdallaye, and between Kipé and Taouyah.

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.

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 supported by all members of the Free Union of Teachers and Researchers of Guinea (SLECG). Since November 13, sporadic protests by students have occurred in Conakry, demanding that the teachers return to work.  On November 20, one student was killed during a similar protest.

Advice

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