Guinea: Opposition calls for continued anti-government demonstrations from November 3 /update 9

Event

Opposition groups reportedly called for renewed protests against President Alpha Conde's victory in October's disputed presidential election on Tuesday, November 3, as the deadline for appeals against the vote count passed. Conde's main challenger for the presidency, Cellou Dalein Diallo, reportedly called on his supporters to stage protests against the result after repeating claims that he won a majority in the first round of voting, which was denied by the election commission. The calls for protests came as the country's constitutional court began to consider appeals against the election result filed by four of the twelve presidential candidates in the October 18 poll.

No locations have been announced for the latest protests, but previous demonstrations during and following the election campaign were held in opposition-dominated areas of Conakry, including Miniere, and the southern city of Kissidougou.

Further election-related unrest is likely in Conakry and other areas across Guinea in the near to medium term following the opposition appeals, with a realistic possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces.

Context

Condé, who has been Guinea's president 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's candidate in the presidential election on October 18. The controversial move by Condé prompted months of protests across Guinea, with opposition groups claiming that at least 90 people had been killed in unrest during the election campaign.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) declared Condé the winner of the Guinean presidential election on Saturday, October 24, with a 59.94 percent majority in the first round. However, the official results have been challenged by opposition groups, including Condé's main challenger Cellou Dalein Diallo who had earlier claimed to be ahead during early vote counting, prompting clashes between his supporters and security forces in Conakry.

Advice

Those in Guinea are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant due to the threat of political violence, avoid the vicinity of political gatherings and government offices, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.