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.
Togo parliament adopts WAEMU law against currency counterfeiting Bill defines offences including ...
Since its 2019 IPO, Airtel Africa paid Deloitte over $37 million in audit and non-audit fees,...
CCR-UEMOA presents mid-term review of private sector competitiveness efforts Reforms, AfCFTA trai...
World Bank announces $137 million to boost West Africa digital economy Program expands broad...
Tilenga oil project required land from 4,954 households in Uganda Over 99% of affected households...
Burkina Faso suspends fresh tomato exports to secure supply for domestic processing plants. Authorities halt export permits while granting a...
Togo minister opens talks with private sector to boost growth Businesses cite financing gaps, debt, and energy costs as...
GoldBodinvests $2.5 million in geological studies to identify new artisanal mining sites. The initiative targets mineralized zones in...
Gabon inaugurates a new border post in Kabala to improve trade and mobility with Republic of the Congo. The project supports regional integration...
Afreximbank launches Impact Stories season two highlighting trade-driven transformations Series features projects across Africa and Caribbean, from...
Mbanza Kongo, located in northern Angola, is one of the most important historic cities in Central Africa. The capital of Zaire Province, it stands on a...