13 May 2019 | 11:33 AM UTC
Guinea: Protests in Conakry and Kindia continue over electricity shortages May 11-12 /update 1
Protests in Conakry and Kindia over lack of electricity and lack of drinking water continue May 11-12; further outages and protests and related protests likely
Event
Protests erupted in the town of Kindia on Sunday, May 12, to denounce recurrent electricity shortages and lack of drinking water. Traffic was significantly disrupted as protesters set up roadblocks throughout the city. Similar protests erupted on Saturday, May 11, in the Dixinn district of the capital Conakry. Demonstrators have vowed to continue their protests until the issue is addressed. Further demonstrations are likely to take place in the coming hours and days.
Context
Related protests erupted in Conakry on May 8-9, leading to significant transportation disruptions on the Fidel Castro highway (N1), which leads to Conakry's Gbessia International Airport (CKY).
Fewer than one in five Guineans have access to electricity, leading to lacklustre economic development. Areas connected to the electrical grid still experience regular blackouts, including areas in the capital, Conakry. Protests are common during electricity shortages, often leading to the obstruction of streets and railroads.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea are advised to remain vigilant and avoid protests at all times. Potential power outages should be anticipated (keep devices fully charged when possible, etc.).
