Guinea: Civil society activists to gather in Conakry September 18

Event

Civil society activists are planning to gather outside of the Ministry of Justice in Conakry on Friday, September 18, to denounce the arrests and demand the release of members of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) opposition group. Participants are expected to protest from 09:00 to 15:00 (local time).

On Monday, September 14, opposition supporters gathered in several districts of Conakry including Tomboleya, Entag, and Bonfi. According to media sources, clashes broke out between the police and demonstrators along Autoroute Fidel Castro, which led to security forces firing tear gas to disperse crowds. Similar actions were seen in Conakry on September 7.

A heightened security presence should be expected in the vicinity of all demonstrations. Localized disruptions are also likely and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

President Alpha Conde has accepted his party's nomination to run as their candidate in the president election on October 18. Conde has been in power since 2010 and pushed through a change in the constitution following a referendum in March that effectively reset the two-term limit in the constitution. Opposition supporters boycotted the referendum and have held widespread protests over the amendments in recent months, which have frequently resulted in clashes with security forces.

Advice

Those in Conakry are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and political gatherings, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.