Guinea Conakry new strike announced?
 

There was a strike announced earlier this year, 10.Jan, called off in last minute. Then again for 31st of March, called off again. 1st of April the government pulled subsidies for petrol which led to a 60% increase of prices at the pump within a day. Naturally noone is happy. So there is a new strike announced for 10th of April. May god be with Guinea. Last years strike left 300 or so dead. And they say now they're not afraid of anything. Here in Bissau, people comming from Conakry (1 Belgium, 2 Spaniards) say it has been a heated up situation. I was thinking of going there again (my 3rd time) but maybe then not. It is rising fuel and food prices that stir up emotions right now in Africa, hitting the poorest first. And when you find yourself unable to feed your family you take to the streets.
rgds Manfred, in Bissau

Hey Manfred,

This is gael and sonja from bubaque. We are currently in Labe and the strike did happen apparently yesterday in Conakry. So far we haven't heard much. Two americans were in Conakry two days ago and said that it was calm. We are still evaluating if we want to go all the way to Conakry or just head to Mamou and then Bamako. There is fuel here at 7000 Guinean Francs a liter but who knows further south. Koundara is dry though and we had to buy it on the black market.

Hope that helps, we'll keep you posted.

Gael

Well
 

It is hard to judge from here. Whoever I speak to in Conakry, they say all quiet. The "peaceful manifestations against rising (food) prices" have been called off, the ministry did not grant permission on time. The organisers now try to get permission within 72 hours (that would be Monday?). Someone in Conakry said to me "Pre announced revolutions don't take place." I have my Visa, would love to see you again in Conakry.
rgds Manfred, in Bissau