Guinea: Further anti-government demonstrations in Conakry Nov.13-15 /update 11

Event

Supporters of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) opposition party have called for a five-day mourning period starting on Thursday, November 8, to denounce the killings of two of their supporters by security forces during a dead city (ville morte) protest held in the capital Conakry on November 7.

Furthermore, the opposition has called for protests to resume in Conakry from November 13. Female supporters of the political opposition are expected to hold a march on November 13, from the Bambeto district to the 28 September Stadium. Another dead city protest is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 14, followed by a protest march on November 15.

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

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 overall votes in the February local elections, followed by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo's UFDG party, 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.

At least 100 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since Condé took power in 2010.

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.