As uncertainty continues, international businesses evacuate their people from Guinea.
Tension and violence across the West African state of Guinea have prompted a mass evacuation of international personnel from the country.
London based International SOS, which has been monitoring the worsening conditions since an indefinite general strike was called on 10 January, reports that it is working with governmental organisations, NGOs and mining companies to get their people out of the country.
Bob Rushton, International SOS’ Regional Security Director says: "We have two of our security experts on-the-ground co-ordinating the logistics of the evacuation. The situation is tense but we are confident that we should be able to get a majority of our clients out of the country by the end of today. We are in constant touch with all of our clients and we are issuing security updates on a regular basis to keep everybody informed of any significant change to the local situation."
The death toll in Guinea has reached 65 since last weekend and 123 since a strike began earlier this year. Reports indicate that army troops have received strict orders to use their weapons if they face any resistance or threat. The trade unions are protesting President Conté’s interference in judicial matters and his erratic rule of the country. President Conté seized power in a 1984 coup.
About International SOS
International SOS has global operations in over 65 countries, in five continents. The company provides clients with medical and security services, plus emergency medical and security evacuations when there is a critical illness, accident or civil unrest.
