Guinea: Protest dispersed in Beyla October 18

Event

Police forces using tear gas dispersed a demonstration taking place in Beyla (east) on Wednesday, October 18. Several people were injured. Demonstrators had gathered to denounce the government’s perceived failure to provide basic social services to the population in the area, e.g. water, electricity, and school and hospital staff. Further protests and related violence in the coming days cannot be ruled out.

Context

Political protests take place on a regular basis throughout Guinea and the frequency and intensity of demonstrations have increased in recent months amid an ongoing electoral crisis. More generally, civil society protest groups, mainly organized by the political opposition, regularly denounce what they claim is a failure of governance by President Alpha Condé and his party, blaming them for the country’s poor economic performance, as well as corruption, the high cost of living, public health issues, and insecurity.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests.