Guinea: Violent student protests in Coyah and Siguiri October 29 /update 2

Event

Students protested in Coyah, a town located on the outskirts of the capital Conakry, and in Siguiri (northeast) on Monday, October 29, to demand the resumption of classes suspended since October 3 amid an ongoing nationwide teacher strike. In Coyah, angry students reportedly set up barricades on roads and some entered private schools armed with stones, causing panic. Public students in Siguiri also attacked private schools, wounding three students.

Further such protests are likely as long as the situation remains unresolved.

Context

Numerous similar teacher strikes and related violent student protests have been held in Guinea in 2017-2018. Teachers are demanding higher salaries, which the government has refused to accept.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly Conakry, are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests.