Guinea: Authorities amend curfew hours as of Sept. 7, following Sept. 5 coup /update 7

Event

As of Sept. 7, the National Committee of Rally and Development (Comite National du Rassemblement et du Developpement, CNRD) has amended curfew hours, now running 22:00-06:00 until further notice. The curfew has been lifted in mining areas to allow for the resumption of activities. Land and air borders reopened for commercial and humanitarian operations Sept. 6, following the temporary closure enacted after the Sept. 5 coup. Additional security personnel have reportedly been deployed along Liberia and Guinea-Bissau's respective borders with Guinea to monitor the situation.

As of Sept. 7, the situation in Conakry remains calm after protests erupted near the Prison Centrale in the Kaloum area of the capital Sept. 6; Kaloum remains cordoned off. Military personnel remains widely deployed in Conakry, including around the strategic 8 November Bridge and Presidential Palace. In Boke and Kankan celebratory gatherings have been reported Sept. 6-7.

Movement restrictive measures, telecommunication disruptions, and disruptions to state and business operations are likely to continue. Clashes between rival security force factions may continue after clashes occurred Sept. 5, resulting in five military personnel being killed. These could occur in Conakry or elsewhere in the country.

Further public gatherings in response to developments are likely nationwide. These could be in favor of the coup or in support of the Conde government. Any gathering is likely to be met by a security force deployment. Clashes are possible at all protest locations.

Context

The political and security situations remain fluid across the country following the Sept. 5 coup, which was led by Lieutenant Colonel Doumbouya of the Special Forces Group (Groupement des forces Speciales). The coup ousted former President Alpha Conde; according to military sources, Conde has been taken to an undisclosed location. Doumbouya has announced the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of the government, and that the CNRD has assumed power. Regional governors have also been replaced by regional commanders. The CNRD announced that a government of national unity will be put in place to lead the transition; however, no details regarding what the transition will entail or a date for democratic elections have been announced.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to Guinea until the situation stabilizes. Monitor local media and maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Avoid concentrations of security personnel. Plan for road travel delays. Reconfirm all scheduled transport services, including flights, before departure. Avoid all protests.