Guinea: Pro- and anti-government demonstrations in Conakry November 7-8 /update 9

Event

Supporters of the ruling party, the Guinean People's Assembly (RPG), are calling for a demonstration to be held in the capital Conakry on Wednesday, November 7, in support of President Alpha Condé. Supporters are expected to gather at the 28 September Stadium and march through the Central Bank roundabout.

In addition, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UDFG) opposition party has called for a ville morte (dead city) general strike in Conakry on November 7, and a march down the Fidel Castro Highway on November 8.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites; clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several opposition protests have been held since mid-October to denounce the government of President Condé and the fact that some officials elected in controversial local elections held February 4 have not yet been sworn in.

Condé's RPG party won the majority of the votes in the February local elections, 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.