Guinea's capital came to a standstill Monday, February 26, on the first day of an open-ended general strike in a key test for the junta that seized power in 2021 and banned demonstrations while muzzling critics. A confederation of the main unions has urged public and private sectors to strike for the release of a prominent media activist, lower food prices, and an end to media censorship. Schools, shops, markets and roads were empty early Monday in Conakry and hospitals only offered skeletal services as youths set up barricades on arterial thoroughfares.

The strike comes a week after the military junta unexpectedly dissolved the transitional government – which had been in office since July 2022 – without providing a reason. The junta also ordered government members' passports to be seized and their bank accounts frozen. Police kept a low-profile presence in the seaside capital on Monday.

Journalists have been at the forefront of protests against media censorship. Television channels have been removed and radio frequencies disrupted in a crackdown on media outlets.

The unions have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sékou Jamal Pendessa, secretary general of the Union of Press Professionals of Guinea (SPPG), who was arrested at the end of January for "participating in an unauthorized protest." Pendessa was sentenced Friday for six months in prison, three of which were suspended.

Internet restrictions imposed three months ago were lifted last week, a day after the unions announced plans for the strike. The resumption of internet access surprised many in Guinea and sparked a flurry of social media comments.

Rare protests

Protests have become rare under junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya, who took power in a September 2021 coup. General Doumbouya has not spoken publicly since the start of the year, despite a deadly explosion at the country's main oil depot in December paralyzing Guinea for several weeks.

The military leaders banned all demonstrations in 2022 and have arrested a number of opposition leaders, civil society members and the press. Under international pressure, the junta has promised to hand the reins of government back to elected civilians by the end of 2024, but the opposition has accused it of authoritarian drift.