2007 Guinean general strike

The 2007 Guinean General Strike was a significant labor movement in Guinea that took place from January 10 to February 27, 2007. The strike was primarily organized by the country's two main trade unions, the National Confederation of Guinean Workers (CNTG) and the Guinean Workers' Union (USTG), in response to widespread economic hardship, government corruption, and the demand for political reform.

Background

Guinea, a West African nation, has faced numerous economic and political challenges since gaining independence from France in 1958. By 2007, the country was under the authoritarian rule of President Lansana Conté, who had been in power since 1984. The Guinean economy was struggling, with high inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty affecting the population.

The trade unions, led by figures such as Rabiatou Serah Diallo and Ibrahima Fofana, had been vocal about the need for economic reforms and greater transparency in government. The unions called for a general strike to pressure the government into addressing these issues.

The Strike

The general strike began on January 10, 2007, and quickly gained momentum as workers from various sectors joined the movement. The strike effectively paralyzed the country, with schools, businesses, and public services shutting down.

Protests and demonstrations were held across major cities, including the capital, Conakry. The government responded with a heavy-handed approach, deploying security forces to disperse crowds and maintain order. This led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in numerous casualties.

Government Response

President Lansana Conté initially refused to concede to the demands of the strikers, leading to a prolonged standoff. However, as the strike continued and international pressure mounted, the government began to negotiate with the union leaders.

On February 27, 2007, an agreement was reached, and the strike was called off. One of the key outcomes was the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Lansana Kouyaté, who was seen as a compromise candidate acceptable to both the unions and the government.

Aftermath

The appointment of Lansana Kouyaté was viewed as a victory for the unions and a step towards political reform. However, the underlying economic issues and political instability in Guinea persisted, leading to further unrest in subsequent years.

Also see

• Lansana Conté
• Lansana Kouyaté
• Labor movements
• Trade unions
• Guinea