Guinea: Curfew implemented in Nzérékoré June 13 /update 1

Event

An overnight curfew was implemented in Nzérékoré (Nzérékoré prefecture) on Thursday, June 13, following violent clashes during a National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) coalition demonstration. The curfew is in place from 16:30 until 07:00 (local time) in the city and heightened security measures remain in place as of Saturday, June 15. At least two people were wounded and another eight arrested after security forces deployed into the city to prevent the FNDC march. Further demonstrations to denounce the violence are possible in the coming days.

Context

Nzérékoré’s prefect banned FNDC activities in the region on June 8 but the coalition still carried out the demonstration. The FNDC held the march to protest President Alpha Condé's potential bid to change the constitution and run for a third term in 2020. Opposition members allege that Alpha Condé, who has been in power since 2010, is positioning himself to change the constitution so he can stand for a third term in late 2020. Condé has not openly commented on his ambitions; however, his supporters have increased their calls for constitutional change in recent months.

Advice

Individuals in Nzérékoré are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.