Budd’s Conakry office advises that violent demonstrations took place yesterday (20/02/17) in Guinea. 

In Conakry and Kamsar, roads were blockaded with burning tyres while vandals destroyed whatever they could find including cars, ambulances and medical centres.

The press reports that at least five people were killed and a further 30 people were injured.  12 arrests were made.  The manager of our Conakry office personally witnessed rioters attacking a journalist. 

Although traffic was severely affected, the ports remained open. 

The government’s decision to close Guinea’s schools following a general strike among teachers is at the origin of the disturbances.  On television yesterday evening, several teachers’ unions declared that no further action would take place before September 2017 but this declaration has engendered further confusion as it is alleged that the demonstrations were organised by different unions. 

This morning (21/02/17) there is an uneasy peace on the streets but our local office would advise crew members to stay on board their vessels as the situation is still unpredictable.

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