Guinea: Conakry International Airport to close ahead of elections until evening of October 18 /update 1

Event

Authorities will close Conakry International Airport (CKY) until Sunday evening, October 18, ahead of elections as protest activity is likely in the area throughout election day. CKY will remain closed until 20:00 (local time). Additionally, the Kaloum District of Conakry is closed to traffic, and travel to and from Kindia (Kindia prefecture) is restricted. Authorities have not indicated when the restrictions in Kaloum and Kindia will be lifted. On Sunday all roads in Guinea will remain closed to non-essential traffic due to the elections.

Associated disruptions to domestic and international air travel are likely.

Context

The airport closure comes amid multiple protests and security incidents across Guinea as campaigning continues ahead of the country's presidential election on October 18. On Thursday, October 15, thousands of opposition supporters caused heavy traffic disruption across Conakry and clashed with police. In Kankan city, a ruling party stronghold, hundreds of residents were also reported to have fled their homes following clashes with opposition activists, while a military officer was killed during an apparent mutiny in Kindia.

The escalating political tensions come as President Alpha Conde seeks a controversial third term in the election, a decision which has caused months of widespread unrest in which opposition groups claim at least 90 people have been killed.

Advice

Those in Guinea are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant due to the threat of electoral-related violence, avoid the vicinity of political gatherings, polling stations and electoral commission offices, adhere from discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.