17 Sep 2017 | 03:09 PM UTC
Guinea: Protests planned in Conakry Sep. 20 and 27
Opposition parties to hold marches in Conakry September 20 and 27 in support of electoral reforms
Event
Opposition parties announced plans on Wednesday, September 13, to resume demonstrations in Conakry on Wednesday, September 20, to protest the government’s failure to implement the reforms of a 2015 agreement. The march will proceed down Route le Prince, beginning at Cosa and continuing to Stade du 28 Septembre. On Wednesday, September 27, a similar march will take place down Autoroute Fidel Castro. An increased police presence should be expected along the protest routes, and unrest is possible.
Context
The 2015 agreement provided for the revision of the electoral code, the audit of the electoral register, the organization of local elections, as well as compensation for victims of political violence and their families.
Political protests take place on a regular basis throughout the country. Civil society protest groups, mainly organized by the political opposition, denounce what they claim is a failure of governance by President Alpha Condé and his party, accusing the administration of failing to address the country’s poor economic performance. Demonstrators also regularly protest corruption, the high cost of living, public health issues, and insecurity. Clashes between anti-government demonstrators and police regularly take place during protests.
Advice
Individuals in Conakry are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests.
