Guinea: Anti-government demonstrations in Conakry Nov. 8,9, and 13 /update 10

Event

Supporters of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) opposition party have called for a march to take place on the Fidel Castro Highway on November 8, in the capital Conakry on Thursday, November 8.

Furthermore, female supporters of the political opposition have called for a gathering at the Bambeto cemetery in Conakry to mourn those killed during recent opposition protests. During a dead city (ville morte) protest held in Conakry on November 7, two people were killed by security forces. Women opposition activists are also planning to hold a march on November 13, from the Bambeto district to the 28 September Stadium in the capital.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites; clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several opposition protests have been held since mid-October to denounce the government of President Alpha Condé and the fact that some officials elected in controversial local elections held February 4 have not yet been sworn in.

Condé's Guinean People's Assembly (RPG) party won the majority of the votes in the February local elections, followed by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo's UFDG, and a second opposition party, the Union of Republican Forces (UFR). Although the RPG dominated nationwide, the party lost control of the municipal government of Conakry, a major blow given that the city is home to almost a quarter of the country's population.

Advice

Individuals 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 and their home governments.