Guinea: Officer killed in security incident at military base in Kindia October 16

Event

Gunmen dressed in military uniforms killed the commanding officer of the Samoreyah military base in Kindia on Friday, October 16. The incident is being reported as an attempted mutiny which occurred overnight during which the assailants shot the victim dead. Officials have stated that the situation is under control after additional security forces were deployed and that the incident is being investigated. However, reports suggest that the attackers fled the area with military equipment including weapons. Security forces have also sealed off the city and restricted overland travel between Kindia and Conakry. Residents have stated that a prison was also attacked, during which an official was injured and a number of inmates escaped, although this was not confirmed by official sources.

Further security operations are likely in the Kindia area in the near term, along with associated disruptions and travel restrictions.

Context

The attack in Kindia came amid multiple protests and security incidents across Guinea on Thursday as campaigning picked up ahead of the country's presidential election on Sunday, October 18. In Conakry, thousands of opposition supporters caused heavy traffic disruption across the city 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. All roads in the country are expected to be closed to non-emergency traffic on election day, with exceptions for those involved in administering the poll.

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 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 unrest and political violence, avoid the vicinity of political gatherings, polling stations and electoral commission offices, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.