In Guinea, where about 7 million people are internet users, access to the internet and social media platforms has been restricted since November 23, 2023. Despite public outcry and pressure from the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the government has yet to lift the ban.
The Guinea Trade Union Movement (MSG) announced on February 22, that it would initiate an "indefinite general strike" starting today February 26. They want to protest against the internet restrictions in the country, among other issues. The strike is set to unfold across the entire nation, affecting all sectors.
The Guinean government initially imposed the internet and social media access restrictions on November 23, 2023, citing "security concerns." Three months later, the limitations remain despite protests from citizens, ICT sector stakeholders, and human rights organizations. When 2024 started, the Guinean ICT Sector Enterprises Association (RESTIC) called for restoring internet access in the country. Furthermore, the Citizens' Parliament for Civic Engagement held a sit-in on February 20 to demand an end to the internet restrictions.
The internet ban has impacted the 6.98 million mobile internet users in Guinea, according to data from the Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications (ARPT). The restriction has also slowed down activities in the ICT sector and other areas of the Guinean economy amid digital transformation efforts. According to the British company Top10VPN, the Guinean economy suffered a loss of $47.4 million in 2023 due to internet access restrictions.
The Guinean Trade Union Movement hopes that the strike will compel the Guinean authorities to meet all its demands, including lifting the internet access restrictions. The organization is determined not to cease its action without satisfaction of its requests. It reserves the right to file complaints with all relevant United Nations and international human rights and labor law institutions.
Kenya shipped its first mango consignment to the UK on December 20 The move is part of a pilo...
In Africa, the transformation of food systems has become an urgent issue in the face of rapid popula...
Central bank launches project for real-time transfers across banks and mobile wallets System aims...
BOAD approves $35.7 million to upgrade Burkina Faso–Mali border road Project targets 130 km,...
Fitch lowered Gabon’s sovereign rating to CCC- amid rising fiscal stress Payment arrears reac...
Afrochella, now known as AfroFuture, is a cultural event held annually in Ghana, mainly in Accra, around the Christmas and end-of-year period. Launched in...
Nigeria now has ~20,000 EVs on the road. While under 1% of the total fleet, adoption is surging in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja. SAGLEV’s Imota...
The Gates Foundation and ADQ launched a four-year initiative to transform education in sub-Saharan Africa using AI and EdTech, with ADQ contributing up...
Kenya’s CMA licensed Safaricom and Airtel Money as Intermediary Service Platform Providers (ISPPs), enabling them to offer regulated capital markets...
Afrochella, now known as AfroFuture, is a cultural event held annually in Ghana, mainly in Accra, around the Christmas and end-of-year period. Launched in...
Algiers is a coastal capital of around four million inhabitants, located in north-central Algeria. Its urban structure, heritage, and social practices...