Guinea’s Nationwide Strike Halted After Union Leader’s Release

Trade unions in Guinea have called off a national strike that began on Monday, significantly impacting the country's mining sector. The decision to suspend the strike came after the release of Sékou Jamal Pendessa, the secretary-general of the Union of Press Professionals of Guinea, whose freedom was a primary condition set by the unions for halting their action.

The Guinean Trade Union Movement, representing a coalition of worker unions, announced on Wednesday their readiness to re-enter negotiations with the country's junta government as early as Thursday. The unions aim to discuss key issues such as the reduction of basic food prices, the removal of internet restrictions, and the implementation of a minimum wage agreement reached with the government in November of the previous year.

The strike had brought significant disruptions to Guinea's mining activities, with operations coming to a halt and the capital's streets unusually quiet. A senior mining company official described the situation as "untenable," emphasizing the complete standstill of operations. Initially, the unions had indicated that the strike would be indefinite.

Since a military coup in 2021, Guinea has been under the rule of a junta government. The country has witnessed a series of anti-government protests, which have become more frequent over the past few months. The junta has responded to these protests, sometimes with force, leading to a tense situation in the nation.