Guinea’s military authorities have lifted internet restrictions that had been in place for the past three months, triggering protests among residents. The decision followed a call from trade unions for an unlimited general strike starting Monday, urging the ruling junta to release a prominent media activist, reduce food prices, and reinstate internet access.
The military, which took control in a 2021 coup, had initially cited security concerns as the reason for the internet restrictions. Earlier this week, they dissolved the transitional government, in office since July 2022, without providing a clear explanation, escalating tensions in the country.
Under international pressure, the junta pledged to return power to elected civilians by the end of 2024, though the opposition alleges an authoritarian drift. Journalists, vocal opponents of media censorship, have faced challenges, including restricted internet access, blocked TV channels, and jammed radio frequencies.
Sekou Jamal Pendessa, the secretary-general of the Union of Press Professionals of Guinea (SPPG), was arrested in January for participating in an unauthorized protest. Unions are now demanding his immediate and unconditional release, with a court set to rule on Friday on a six-month jail term, as per prosecutors’ request.
Protests have been prohibited since the 2021 coup that ousted elected President Alpha Conde. The unexpected resumption of internet access has generated surprise and numerous social media comments, with some expressing skepticism about the government’s motives and others seeing it as a response to union demands, reinforcing the perception that leaders only respond to force.