Guinea: Reports of clashes in Conakry after opposition candidate claims election victory October 19 /update 2

Event

Clashes have been reported in Conakry on Monday, October 19, after opposition candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo claimed victory in the presidential election held the previous day. The electoral commission has stated that Diallo's claims of victory are premature; however, as a result of his declaration, opposition supporters gathered in neighborhoods across the capital to celebrate the victory. The celebrations turned violent in some neighborhoods and there have been reports of gunfire and security forces dispersing crowds with tear gas. There have also been unconfirmed reports of deaths amid the unrest. Initial reports also indicate that similar scenes were being witnessed in other parts of the country on Monday.

Further electoral-related unrest is expected across Guinea in the coming days as the official results of the election are awaited.

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, and protests and associated violence have intensified in the build-up to 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 and electoral commission offices, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.