08 Feb 2018 | 07:12 PM UTC
Guinea: Police arrest 50 people after Dinguiraye violence as of Feb. 7 /update 5
Police arrest at least 50 people as of February 7 following post-local elections violence in Kalinko (Dinguiraye prefecture); election results expected by February 9
Event
Guinean police had arrested at least 50 people in Kalinko (Dinguiraye prefecture) as of Wednesday, February 7, in response to violence that broke out there following local elections on February 4, including clashes on Tuesday, February 6, that left five children dead. Associated clashes had also been reported in nearby settlements, according to local officials on Wednesday.
Political protests, clashes between opposition protesters and security forces, and consequent transportation disruptions are expected in the affected areas of Dinguiraye prefecture and across Guinea in advance of the electoral results, which are slated to be released by Friday, February 9.
Context
Local elections took place nationwide on February 4, the first to be held since 2005. Associated violence was reported before, during, and after the elections. Incidents of post-elections violence resulted in at least seven deaths throughout the country as of February 7, including those of the abovementioned five children. One protester was allegedly killed by police in Kindia on February 5; a student also died on February 7 from fatal gunshot wounds sustained in a suburb of Conakry the day before. Opposition members claim that massive electoral fraud was carried out by the ruling party during the vote.
Political protests take place on a regular basis throughout Guinea. 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, blaming him for the country's poor economic performance. Demonstrators have also denounced corruption, the high cost of living, public health problems, and general insecurity in the country. Clashes between anti-government demonstrators and police regularly take place during protests.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
