Guinea: Opposition supporters killed in overnight clashes in Conakry October 19 /update 3

Event

Opposition groups claim that at least three of their supporters were killed on Monday, October 19, during overnight clashes with security forces in Conakry. Hundreds of opposition supporters had taken to the streets of the capital on Monday evening after their presidential candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo claimed to have won the first round of voting held on Sunday, October 18. However, Diallo's claims of victory were dismissed as premature by both the government and the electoral commission, who stated that vote counting was still ongoing and that preliminary results were yet to be announced, and security forces moved to disperse celebratory crowds in several opposition-dominated areas of Conakry. It is currently unclear where in the city the three opposition supporters were killed, but the most significant clashes were reported in the Miniere area of the capital, where security forces used tear gas and warning shots to disperse crowds. Gunfire was also reported in several other areas of the city throughout the night.

Unrest was also reported in the southern city of Kissidougou, where Diallo supporters were accused of attacking activists from the incumbent Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party. Retaliatory attacks against properties linked to Diallo supporters and the local Peuhl community were also reported in the city.

Further election-related unrest is likely in Conakry and other areas across Guinea in the near term ahead of the announcement of official election results.

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.