Guinea: Post-election violence leaves five dead in Dinguiraye prefecture Feb. 6 /update 4

Event

Post-election riots left at least five children dead in Kalinko (Dinguiraye prefecture) on Tuesday, February 6. The children died in an arson attack, according to Boureima Condé, Guinean Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization; several homes were burned down in the riots.

Violent protests that first broke out in Conakry on Sunday, February 4 - during which protesters erected roadblocks and burned tires in some suburbs of the capital - had abated by the morning of Wednesday, February 7 (local time), according to media reports. Additional election-related clashes, heightened security measures, and transportation disruptions are nonetheless possible in Conakry and elsewhere in Guinea in the coming days.

Context

Local elections took place nationwide on February 4, the first to be held since 2005. Associated violence was reported before, during, and after the elections, including the death of one protester who was allegedly killed by police in Kindia on February 5. Opposition members claim that massive electoral fraud was carried out by the ruling party during the vote.

Political protests take place on a regular basis throughout Guinea. 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, blaming him for the country's poor economic performance. Demonstrators have also denounced corruption, the high cost of living, public health problems, and general insecurity in the country. 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.