Guinea: Opposition calls for resumption of protests on January 21-22 /update 1

Event

According to a statement from the Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC), - the entity leading Guinea's recent opposition demonstrations - anti-government protests are expected to resume nationwide on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22. Although the exact timings and locations of the demonstrations have not been announced yet, the main protests are expected to take place in the capital Conakry.

A heightened security presence and localized travel disruptions are expected near any demonstration site. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests were suspended on January 15, to allow peaceful burial of the four people that were killed during nationwide protests held between January 13-15.

The FNDC has organized several opposition demonstrations since October 14, some of which have turned violent. Opposition members allege that President Condé, who has been in power since 2010, is positioning himself to change the constitution in order to allow him to run for a third presidential term in late 2020. President Condé publicly called for a constitutional referendum on December 19.

Advice

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