Guinea: Nationwide opposition protests called off /update 2

Event

Nationwide opposition protests and strikes set to take place in April were called off on Monday, April 2, following successful negotiations between opposition leader Celou Dalein Diallo and President Alpha Condé. According to a government communiqué, both politicians have agreed to prioritize dialogue to settle political differences and have asked a committee to investigate the ongoing electoral dispute at the center of the political unrest.

However, if the process proves unsuccessful, the opposition will likely call once again for protests and strikes. 

Context

Opposition parties - notably the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UDFG) - had been staging demonstrations over claims of massive electoral fraud carried out during the February 4 local elections. President Condé's ruling Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party won a majority of the seats, followed by the UFDG.

The UFDG has also organized protests to denounce the heavy police crackdown on opposition demonstrations. At least 15 people have reportedly been killed in the protests, including some shot by security forces.

Advice

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