Guinea: Contined protests in Conakry following announcement of election results October 23 /update 5

Event

Security forces clashed with protesters in Conakry on Friday, October 23, in the latest day of unrest in the capital following the results of President Alpha Conde's controversial third term election victory. Gunfire was reported in multiple areas and protesters started fires, burned tires, and erected roadblocks throughout the capital. There are also reports of police deploying tear gas to disperse protesters. Opposition groups claim that at least three of their supporters have been killed during the week-long protests.

Further electoral-related unrest is expected across Guinea in the coming days..

Context

President Alpha Conde, in power since 2010, pushed through a change in the constitution following a referendum in March that effectively reset the two-term limit in the constitution and allowed him to run as his party candidate in the presidential election. Widespread unrest has been witnessed across the country since the controversial move by Conde, with opposition groups claiming that at least 90 people have been killed in recent months.

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 and electoral commission offices, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.