Guinea: Activists plan to stage protests in Conakry July 30-Aug. 1 despite demonstration ban

Activists affiliated with the Movement of Guinean Civil Society Organizations (Dynamique des Organisations de la Societe Civile Guineenne) plan to stage a series of demonstrations in Conakry on July 30-31 and Aug. 1. The primary purpose of the protests is to demand the unconditional release of activists Oumar Sylla (alias Fonike Mengue) and Mamadou Billo Bah, who were reportedly arrested on July 9. Participating activists also intend to denounce perceived media censorship and the high cost of living. Protest organizers have called for participants to gather each day at the Tannerie Roundabout and then march to the September 28 Stadium (Stade du 28 Septembre) via the Gbessia area, near Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport (CKY), and the Hamdallaye area.

Governmental authorities have reportedly banned the demonstrations and threatened to initiate criminal proceedings against the protest organizers if they fail to comply with the ban. However, as of July 29, the protest organizers had reiterated their call to stage the demonstrations despite the ban. The number of people who will participate in the protests was not immediately clear.

Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to areas affected by protest activity. Security forces will probably attempt to disperse participating activists, including by forceful means, if necessary. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Transport and business disruptions will likely affect areas subject to protest activity and increased security.