Guinea: October 23 Conakry protest goes ahead despite ban /update 3

Event

A protest by members of the Guinean political opposition scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, in the capital Conakry has been banned by local authorities who claim it would be impossible to secure the demonstration. However, members of the opposition have decided to go ahead with the march despite the ban. Demonstrators are expected to gather at the N1 (Fidel Castro) highway from the Tannerie roundabout to the Stade du 28 Septembre (stadium). A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected along the march route; clashes between security forces and demonstrators are possible.

Similar protests are possible in Conakry and other urban areas in the near-term.

Context

The march is being organized to protest the government of President Alpha Condé and the fact that officials elected in controversial local elections held February 4 have not yet been sworn in. Associated ville morte protests took place October 15-16, during which one protester was killed.

The local elections marked a victory for President Condé's Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party, which won the majority of the vote, followed by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo's Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and a second opposition party, the Union of Republican Forces (UFR). Although the RPG dominated nationwide, the party lost control of the municipal government of Conakry, a major blow given that the city is home to almost a quarter of the country's population.

Advice

Individuals 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 and their home governments.