Guinea transport strike paralyzes roads to Senegal and Gambia

Guinean taxi and transport drivers have launched a general strike, paralyzing major road corridors connecting Guinea to Senegal and the Gambia, as well as the route between Mamou and Conakry. The strike, which began in early September 2026, is a protest against the proliferation of illegal checkpoints and systematic extortion by police and customs officials.

Drivers report that some inter-state routes feature up to fifteen checkpoints, where they are forced to pay arbitrary fees despite being in compliance with regulations. These costs include border parking fees and customs levies on passenger luggage ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 Guinean francs (GNF). Protesting drivers from regions including Labé, Conakry, Mamou, Kindia, and Boké have immobilized their vehicles, citing that the high cost of these illegal payments leaves them operating at a loss.

The strike has caused significant disruption for travelers, many of whom are stranded at bus stations or turned back mid-journey. While meetings were held in Koundara between transport stakeholders and representatives from the police, gendarmerie, and customs to resolve the crisis, no concrete agreement was reached as of Monday, September 7, prompting unions to maintain the strike until further notice.