Guinea: Political clashes leave ten wounded in Conakry January 30 /update 1

Event

Political clashes left around ten people wounded and several vehicles destroyed in Conakry on Tuesday, January 30. The clashes reportedly broke out between supporters of rival parties as Cellou Dalein Diallo, president of the opposition Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) party, and followers processed toward the capital. Additional instances of political violence are possible in Conakry and other urban areas in Guinea in advance of nationwide mayoral elections planned for Sunday, February 4.

Context

Local elections are slated to take place nationwide on February 4. Authorities have banned all demonstrations, meetings, and political gatherings between 23:00 and 07:00 (local time) during the period leading up to the election. Election results are expected to be announced between February 5 and February 7. The last local elections took place in 2005.

Political protests take place on a regular basis throughout the country. Civil society protest groups, mainly organized by the political opposition, denounce what they claim is a failure of governance by President Alpha Condé and his party, accusing him of being the cause of the poor economic performance of the country. Demonstrators also denounce corruption, the high cost of living, public health problems, and insecurity. Clashes between anti-government demonstrators and police regularly take place during protests.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.