Guinea: Teacher strike continues as protest planned in Conakry January 7 /update 3

Event

The Free Trade Union of Teachers and Researchers of Guinea (SELCG) will stage a demonstration in Conakry on Monday, January 7, in support of striking teachers. Additional groups, including the Social Forces of Guinea and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea opposition party, will reportedly join the march to denounce the government's refusal to increase wages for teachers. Demonstrators are expected to gather from 06:00 (local time) at the Gbessia International Airport (CKY) roundabout and march to the central Kaloum area. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected near the demonstration.

Context

Numerous teacher strikes and related violent student protests have been staged since teachers launched a strike on October 3, 2018. Teachers are demanding higher salaries (GNF 8 million; USD 876,300), which the government has refused to deliver; furthermore, the government has frozen salary payments to teachers for the months of October and November. Opposition protests have also been held since mid-October to denounce President Alpha Condé and the fact that some officials elected in controversial local elections held in February 2018 have not yet been sworn in.

Advice

Individuals 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 and their home governments.