Guinea: Opposition warns of protests as president runs for third term September 2 /update 1

Event

On Wednesday, September 2, the Guinean political opposition, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) vowed to protest as President Alpha Conde has accepted his party's nomination to run as their candidate in the presidential election on October 18. Conde previously passed a controversial amendment to the constitution enabling him to run for a third consecutive term in office. The FNDC, comprised of labor unions and civil society groups, said its protest actions against Conde will soon enter a 'decisive phase' without announcing a date for protest. 

A heightened security presence is to be expected at protest sites.

Context

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