03 Sep 2018 | 09:57 AM UTC
Guinea: Port workers to march in Conakry September 3 /update 3
Port workers’ plan to gather at the Conakry harbour September 3 and continue protests until demands are met; avoid all protests
Event
Union officials representing port workers announced plans to hold a march in Conakry on Monday, September 3, to protest over awarding the concession to manage the Autonomous Port of Conakry to a Turkish company, which they claim was illegal. The unions have also threatened to launch a general strike at an undetermined point in the future and stated that they will continue to hold demonstrations until their demands are met. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the demonstration sites. Further related protests and strikes are possible in the coming days. Clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.
Context
A related march was held on August 17 but was quickly dispersed when police fired tear gas on the demonstrators; the government maintains that the protest was unauthorized.
On August 16, Guinea's Ministry of Transport confirmed that the government had agreed to allow a Turkish company to refurbish the port in exchange for allowing it to run the port for 25 years. Union leaders claim that the deal threatens jobs for their workers at the port.
Advice
Individuals in Conakry and are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests due to the potential for violence.
