15 Oct 2019 | 10:28 AM UTC
Guinea: Ongoing protest in Conakry October 15; minimize movements /update 4
Ongoing protest in Conakry on October 15; minimize movements within the city, clashes cannot be ruled out
Event
A protest is ongoing for the second consecutive day in Conakry as of 10:00 (local time) on Tuesday, October 15. Opposition supporters have reportedly gathered on the Le Prince highway, bringing traffic to a standstill. Protesters are reportedly throwing stones on roads located between the Cimenterie and Enco 5 areas. According to media reports, security forces are not yet deployed but are likely to increase the security across Conakry in the coming hours. Clashes between protesters and security forces are likely.
Opposition leaders have called for protests to continue until their demands are met. Heightened security measures, along with traffic disruptions are likely near any demonstration site. Related protests are likely to take place in other areas across the country, and over the next several weeks.
Context
Opposition members allege that President 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 now publicly called for constitutional change regarding presidential term limits.
Opposition group Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) leader Cellou Dalein Diallo called for the resumption of protests on September 21. On October 14, at least four people were killed in Conakry during violent protests called by the National Front in Defense of the Constitution (FNDC). Demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires, and threw stones at security forces. Hundreds of police officers were deployed to disperse the crowds using tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition. Protests also erupted in ubreka (Dubreka region), Labe (Labe region), Mamou (Mamou region) and Nzerekore (Forestiere region). Diallo also told media sources that at least 38 people were wounded in clashes with security forces. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that one police officer was shot and killed in the city of Mamou. Several people were also reportedly arrested during the demonstrations.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea are advised to monitor developments to the situation, minimize movements across Conakry, remain confined during all protests and demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
