Guinea: Police forces disperse protests in Conakry October 14 /update 2

Event

According to media reports, as of the afternoon (local time) on Wednesday, October 14, police forces disperse ongoing protests in the capital Conakry. Protests were called by the National Front in Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) to oppose President Alpha Condé's intentions to bid for a third term in office and his call to organize a referendum on a constitutional change to make that possible.

Protests in other urban centers across the country are possible. Heightened security measures, along with traffic disruptions are likely near any demonstration sites; clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Related protests are likely to take place over the next several weeks.

Context

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 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.

Advice

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