Guinea: Rival protest groups clash in Kankan September 1

Event

Rival protest groups clashed in the city of Kankan on Tuesday, September 1, amid ongoing unrest surrounding disruptions to the power supply. Demonstrators affiliated with the "Electrifions la Haute Guinée" civic group fought with a group of supporters of the ruling party, The Rally of the Guinean People. One counter-protester reportedly died in a traffic incident near to the protests at the Mila roundabout as they were transporting others to the scene of the unrest.

Further protests are likely in the near term. Associated disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected around demonstration sites.

Context

Previous gatherings over the supply of electricity in Kankan and Conakry in June turned unruly. In Conakry, three people were injured after police fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse the protesters. Civic groups announced a resumption of protests on August 1 following a lull in unrest during the national exam season. Activists are demanding the government construct a hydroelectric dam in order to address power supply issues.

Advice

Those in Kankan are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.