Today there were “manifestations” in Dinguiraye. All throughout the last strike, the Prefet had managed to keep the town calm by asking the religious leaders, the imams, to ask the populations at the mosque not to riot or violently protest, or even to go out.
As some of you may have followed on the news (if you’re seeking it out, otherwise, I’m not sure how much attention Guinea’s getting yet) today was a different story. After the strikes were suspended in attendance of the President to name a Prime Minister, they set a date for him to choose by, which is next Monday. So far, he hasn’t budged, and the people of Guinea don’t seem as though they’re just going to take it this time. They’re tired, hungry, and want a new leader for their country. Today that want for change and excited tension came to a boiling point in Dinguiraye, and many of the high school students rioted, set different buildings on fire, and liberated prisoners from the jail. My good friends seemed to have more sense than that and stayed safely at home. I called Cherif this afternoon, and he and his family are safe, and Dinguiraye is calm again.
Union leaders are calling for peaceful marches all of the country and a restart of the paralyzing nationwide strikes by Monday if their demands are not met.
Meanwhile, we’re going on our third week of “IST #2” in Bamako, and the situation now seems to everybody way more serious than we had originally thought. Our awesome country director and APCDs (assistant program country director)s are working around the clock to make us comfortable, council us on options, and train us in the meantime. Our country director has just told us a final decision on whether or not we will be going back to Guinea in two weeks will be made by next Friday. We all know he will make the right decision for everyone, but anxiously wait for what will happen in Guinea next Monday, which will heavily affect his decision.
I want to go back to Guinea and I’m going to try to pursue all safe, feasible options of working in or near there. I’ll know more about my options in a week. In the mean time, I appreciate all of your support, and please think a good thought for Guinea in its time of change and uncertainty.
