Guinea: Gatherings likely in Conakry Sept. 6, following Sept. 5 coup /update 5

Event

The Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC) civil society group has called for a gathering in Conakry, Sept. 6. Participants were planning to gather from 10:00 near the Palais du Peuple, along Fidel Castro Highway. Another gathering is planned from 11:30 along Route Le Prince to celebrate the release of political detainees. A heightened security presence is likely to remain deployed across Conakry in the coming hours to monitor the gatherings.

The political and security situations remain fluid across the country following the Sept. 5 coup, which ousted former President Alpha Conde. The Special Forces Group (Groupement des forces Speciales), led by Lieutenant Colonel Doumbouya, reportedly arrested President Alpha Conde Sept. 5. According to military sources, Conde was taken to an undisclosed location. Doumbouya has announced the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of the government, and that the National Committee of Rally and Development (Comite National du Rassemblement et du Developpement, CNRD) has assumed power. Regional governors have also reportedly been replaced by regional commanders. Doumbouya has also convened a meeting with outgoing ministers and heads of institutions at 11:00 Sept. 6. An indefinite nationwide curfew running from 20:00 to dawn has been implemented as of early Sept. 6. Land borders will reportedly remain closed for at least one week from Sept. 5, while air borders reportedly remain closed until further notice.

As of Sept. 6, it remains unclear if the Kaloum area remains cordoned off. Military personnel will likely remain widely deployed in Conakry, including around the strategic 8 November Bridge and Presidential Palace. The situation in Kankan and Labe remains unclear as of Sept. 6; on Sept 5, most businesses were closed in both areas with Labe experiencing celebratory gatherings. Related public gatherings also reportedly occurred in Conakry. According to media reports, at least two people were injured, and one killed.

Movement restrictive measures, telecommunication disruptions, and disruptions to state and business operations are likely. Clashes between rival security force factions may continue after clashes occured Sept. 5, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. 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 apparent 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.

Advice

Shelter in place until the situation stabilizes. 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.