Sarah Hall, a nurse based in the south eastern town of Macenta, says that recent clashes between youths and police were sparked by the government’s small reduction in the price of fuel.
She explains, “People can't afford to travel at the moment and there is a movement in Conakry amongst young people to try and force the government to reduce the price of fuel again.
“As a result, there have been violent clashes and some people have been killed. All traffic movement has been stopped, and schools and shops closed. It is also impossible to buy any fuel inland except to pay very high prices on the black market”.
Demonstrators took to the streets last week, angry that the government cut fuel costs by just 20 per cent – compared to the 50 per cent fall in global oil prices since July.
Recently, protestors demanding electricity have also blocked trains carrying the country's main export, bauxite, to port.
Guinea is particularly prone to volatility. In 2007, there were efforts to force out the government through strike action. More than 130 protestors were shot dead by security forces.
Sarah says, “Please pray for peace, and also pray that the system will change, allowing the rich resources in this country to be used for all of the population and for the good of all”.
BMS currently has seven personnel in
Guinea; five in Macenta, and
Simon and Solange Wood and their family in the southern town of Kissidougou.
Our workers and partners are not directly affected by the violence.