14 Mar 2018 | 10:23 AM UTC
Guinea: Teacher strike ends March 13 /update 2
Teachers end their strike March 13; further unrelated strike and protests expected on March 14
Event
The SLECG teachers union (Syndicat Libre des Enseignants et Chercheurs de Guinée) ended their month-long strike on Tuesday, March 13, following successful negotiations with the government. According to local sources, classes may resume as early as March 14. This decision came amid high tensions throughout the country, especially in the capital Conakry, where violent protests broke out March 12-13 to denounce the strike as well as the results of the recent local elections.
However, a general strike - and related protests - are still expected to take place in the capital on March 14. Increased security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any protests. Further outbreaks of violence are possible.
Context
Opposition members claim that massive electoral fraud was carried out in local elections in February, which saw President Alpha Conde's Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) win the majority of the vote.
The SLECG strike started on February 12, leading to the closure of a number of schools and violent discontent among the population.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
