Strikes shut down Guinean capital

Thousands of young people erected barricades and blocked traffic in the Guinean capital Conakry on Monday with markets and schools shut as mass strikes gripped the city.

A general strike was called by the Guinea General Union of Workers (UGTG) in addition to an ongoing walkout by teachers and a complete shutdown of economic activity demanded by the opposition after disputed local elections, AFP reported.

Conakry’s biggest market, Madina, failed to open its doors along with the vast majority of businesses, as youths overturned bins and set tires on fire, cutting off entire sections of the city to vehicles. Police made 15 arrests in the Kaloum district, where civil society groups were protesting against the two-week closure of schools.

An on-off teachers’ strike that has paralyzed the education system shows no signs of stopping despite a government offer at the weekend to increase pay.

Former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo’s Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) saw a strong response to its call for a “ville morte” or “dead city” protest, demanding that all economic activity cease and people stay inside.

The victory of President Alpha Conde’s ruling Rally for the Guinean People (RPG) in the February 4 vote was marred by post-electoral violence involving supporters of the losing parties.