APA- Conakry (Guinea) The strike called by unionists in Guinea could be nationwide.
By Aboubacar Siddy Diallo
Since the announcement of the dissolution of the government led by Bernard Goumou, Guinea has been in a state of growing tension, which has now reached the boiling point. On Thursday, February 22, the Guinean Trade Union Movement confirmed its earlier warnings by declaring an indefinite general strike in all sectors from February 26.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, February 22, the 13 union centers announced their intention to file a strike notice with the Ministry of Labor and Public Service.
The release of SPPG General Secretary Sékou Jamal Pendessa remains the main demand of the Guinean trade union movement. The trade union journalist, who was tried on February 21, is still awaiting his sentence, which will be delivered this Friday, February 23, at the Court of First Instance in Dixinn. He faces several charges, including participation in an unauthorised assembly and charges related to public safety.
In addition to Pendessa’s release, the unions are demanding the lifting of internet restrictions and media blackouts, a reduction in the price of basic foodstuffs, and the implementation of the November 15, 2023 agreement to improve the living and working conditions of Guinean civil servants.
Despite the dissolution of the government on February 19, 2024, the Guinean executive has yet to respond to the unions’ demands. All attempts to contact the authorities have so far gone unanswered.
ASD/ac/lb/as/APA