Guinea: Teacher strike suspended December 7

Event

Teachers suspended their indefinite nationwide strike on Thursday, December 7, following mediation with religious leaders. The religious leaders requested teachers to suspend the strike until the end of the year, in order to start negotiations with the government. However, as of Friday, December 8, no guarantee of a forthcoming opening of negotiations has been provided by public authorities. Further strikes and related protests are likely if negotiation plans cannot be finalized.

Context

The education sector 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. Since November 13, protests by students - some of which have turned violent - have occurred in Conakry to demand that the teachers return to work. On November 20, one student was killed during a protest.

Advice

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