Labé butchery closed amid meat price dispute

A dispute between the local administration and butchers in Labé, Guinea, has led to the closure of the city's butchery since August 16. The conflict arose following an unjustified rise in meat prices, with some prices reaching between 70,000 and 80,000 Guinean francs per kilogram.

The municipality closed the facility as a precautionary measure to regulate prices, attempting to fix the cost at 50,000 francs per kilogram. In response, the butchers' collective ceased sales, causing meat shortages for local residents.

On August 17, the Prefect of Labé, Colonel Mohamed Keïta, convened a meeting with communal authorities, trade chamber representatives, and butchers to resolve the impasse. The butchers attributed the price hikes to the soaring cost of cattle in supply regions such as Lélouma, Koubia, and Tougué, as well as difficulties and harassment encountered during animal transport.