Guinea: Ongoing protests reported in multiple cities October 15

Event

Demonstrations have been reported in multiple cities nationwide on Thursday, October 15, with some becoming violent. In Conakry, heavy traffic disruption has been reported in the city and is expected to remain so throughout the day, especially at the Gbessia Airport traffic circle and vicinity where there have been reports of violence. In Kankan city, a ruling party stronghold, hundreds of residents have fled their homes as tension rises ahead of the presidential election on Sunday, October 18. On election day, all roads will be closed to non-emergency traffic. Exceptions will be made for individuals traveling in vehicles who will be involved with administering the election. 

The country will go to the polls on Sunday with related protests expected to take place nationwide in the run-up to and during the vote. The timings and exact locations of the events are yet to be announced.

Further protests and rallies are expected in urban centers across the country in the coming days and are likely to be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport. Clashes between rival political groups and between demonstrators and security forces are also likely to occur.

Context

Political rallies, protests, associated violence, and a heightened security presence are expected in the build-up to, during, and in the aftermath of the Guinean presidential election on Sunday, October 18. President Alpha Conde will be seeking a controversial third term in the election, which has caused months of widespread unrest nationwide, and political tensions are likely to escalate in the build-up to polling day and, depending on the result, may continue following the election. 

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.