06 Mar 2018 | 04:43 PM UTC
Guinea: Women’s march planned in Conakry March 7
Women from the main opposition party will hold a protest march in Conakry on March 7; localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
Women from the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), the main opposition party, are planning to hold a march in Conakry on Wednesday, March 7. The march organizers are asking men to stay at home during the protest and for participants to wear all white. Demonstrators are expected to march through the Rond Point Bembeto and Carrefour Concasseur. Traffic disruptions and increased security measures are expected around the protest.
Context
The UFDG is protesting the heavy police response to recent popular demonstrations. According to media reports, at least 12 people have died during the protests that started in February, including some shot by security forces.
Opposition political parties have been staging demonstrations against the results of the local elections held on February 4, claiming massive electoral fraud. President Alpha Conde's ruling Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party won a majority of the seats, followed by the UFDG. The Syndicat Libre des Enseignants et Chercheurs de Guinée (SLECG) education union also launched an indefinite strike on February 12, leading to the closure of a number of schools.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
