Guinea: Violent protests likely to continue February 10-11 /update 6

Event

Violent protests related to recent local elections are expected to continue in Guinea until at least Sunday, February 11. The capital city of Conakry is likely to experience the majority of the unrest, particularly on Route le Prince between Bambeto and Hamdallaye circles, and in the Bonfi and Dixinn neighborhoods. An increased security presence is likely in the vicinity of any protest, as well as localized transportation disruptions. Clashes between protesters and security personnel are expected to persist.

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. Incidents of post-elections violence resulted in at least seven deaths throughout the country as of February 7, including those of the abovementioned five children. One protester was allegedly killed by police in Kindia on February 5; a student also died on February 7 from fatal gunshot wounds sustained in a suburb of Conakry the day before. 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.