Strikes shut down Guinean capital
Conakry, (MILLAT ONLINE):One man died and several were injured Monday when thousands of young people erected barricades and blocked traffic in the Guinean capital Conakry 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.
Conakry’s biggest market, Madina, failed to open its doors along with the vast majority of businesses, as youths overturned bins and set tyres on fire, cutting off entire sections of the city to vehicles.
Hospital sources told AFP 32-year-old Boubacar Sidy Diallo was shot dead while two of a number of people wounded were in intensive care.
Former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, leader of the main opposition Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) accused police of “entering areas … assaulting citizens and unfortunately killing a young student.”
Police also 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 paralysed the education system shows no signs of stopping despite a government offer at the weekend to increase pay.
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.
The UFDG has condemned what it terms “massive fraud” during voting, leading to unrest and the deaths of at least 10 people.