Reporting

Guinea: towards a strike after the arrest of journalist and trade unionist Sékou Jamal Pendessa

Gathered in a general assembly on Tuesday, Guinean unions announced the filing of a general strike notice. They are demanding the release of journalist and trade unionist Sékou Jamal Pendessa, in prison for 19 days for having called for demonstrations against the restrictions currently affecting the internet and the media in Guinea.

In the hangar of the Labor Exchange, union leaders announce the filing of a strike notice, in Conakry on February 6, 2024. © Matthias Raynal / RFI

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With our correspondent in Conakry,

Matthias Raynal

Under the hangar of the Labor Exchange, the atmosphere is excited. Dozens of women sing and shout slogans in favor of

Sékou Jamal Pendessa

, arrested on January 19. Kader Aziz Camara, leader of the CNTG (National Confederation of Workers of Guinea), addresses the crowd: “

 We want Pendessa to be released unconditionally. To this end, the union movement has decided to submit a strike notice to the government.

»

These women who are warming up the room are traders, threatened with expulsion in two markets in Conakry. The trade unionist also has a message for them: “

 But also, we see that the cost of living is there, women are ahead of us. 

»

Very different demands 

As a result, the centrals are also calling for a reduction in the prices of basic necessities. The strike notice mixes very different demands. Ibrahim Kalil Diallo, deputy secretary general of the Union of Press Professionals of Guinea, assumes: “

I believe that it is imperative for the authorities to listen attentively to this anger which is gradually winning over the population. People find themselves stifled because they do not have access to information, they do not have the chance, the opportunity to speak. 

»

There is radio silence from the authorities who did not react to this notice.

Read alsoGuinea: the FNDC movement launches a countdown on the end of the political transition

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  • Guinea

  • Unions

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  • Freedom of press

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