Guinea: President to run for controversial third term after accepting party nomination on August 31

Event

On Monday, August 31, Guinean President Alpha Conde 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 ruling Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party nominated Conde as their candidate earlier in August but he had not formally accepted the nomination before Monday.

Opposition protests are possible in Conakry and across Guinea following the confirmation of Conde as the RPG candidate and associated clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

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.