Workers at Areeba Guinée S.A., the national telecommunications operator, have expressed concerns over the deteriorating conditions of their workplace and the threat to the company's future. In a letter to President Mamadi Doumbouya, the union, affiliated with FESATEL, highlighted the critical situation at the company and urged the head of state to intervene urgently. The workers cited several factors, including the degradation of infrastructure, insufficient investment, and loss of technical expertise.
Despite the state's acquisition of 75% of the company's capital from MTN in December 2024, followed by full ownership in December 2025, the situation on the ground remains worrying. The union's first representative, Cécé Jérôme Haba, stated that operational and financial constraints are intensifying. The 220 direct employees are concerned about the impact on their jobs and social benefits. The union emphasized that the difficulties are not just economic or technical indicators but have concrete human consequences.
The workers identified several key areas of concern, including the progressive degradation of infrastructure and installations, insufficient investment in modernization and maintenance, and the loss of technical, commercial, and managerial expertise. They also highlighted difficulties in responding to customer expectations, commercial teams' struggles on the ground, and financial tensions that could affect salary payments. The union stressed that these challenges are affecting employees' livelihoods and their ability to perform their duties.
The FESATEL union has made eight urgent demands to the state as the company's shareholder. These demands include completing a diagnostic study within a clear timeframe, making the study's conclusions public, and involving worker representatives in the process. The union also called for transparency in communicating the audit results to social partners and adopting a multi-year recovery plan with a specific investment budget and timeline.
The union's demands also include taking immediate measures to secure the network, ensure service continuity, and protect salaries. They further requested that the state open the company's capital to a strategic technical and financial partner through a rigorous and transparent selection process. Additionally, the union sought formal guarantees for job protection and acquired rights in any restructuring or recapitalization agreement.
The workers' concerns are not limited to their employment but also the impact on the country's telecommunications sector. Areeba Guinée S.A. plays a vital role in providing communication services to the population. The union's letter to President Doumbouya emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent irreparable damage to the company and the sector as a whole.
The situation at Areeba Guinée S.A. highlights the challenges faced by state-owned enterprises in Guinea. The company's future and the jobs of its 220 employees hang in the balance. The government's response to the union's demands and the outcome of the diagnostic study will be crucial in determining the company's trajectory.
Key points
- The union has made eight urgent demands to the state as the company's shareholder.
- The workers are concerned about the impact of the company's situation on their jobs and social benefits.
- The company's future and the jobs of its 220 employees are uncertain.
