Guinea: Opposition calls for ‘dead city’ protests in Conakry and surrounding cities November 9 /update 10

Event

Leader of the opposition Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), Cellou Dalein Diallo, has called for 'dead city' protests in Conakry and the surrounding cities of Coyah and Dubreka on Monday, November 9, to denounce the decision of the Constitutional Court to uphold the victory of President Alpha Conde in the disputed October presidential election. In observance of the calls for a 'dead city' protest, a number of businesses have closed in the Wanindara area of Conakry. Disruptions to overland travel has also been reported on Fidèle Castro highway and Corniche Lambanyi. Businesses have also closed in the Baiboyah and Cimenterie areas of Dubreka.

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.