Guinea: Demonstrations break out in Conakry over power outages Feb. 19-20

Event

Demonstrations reportedly broke out in the Nongo neighborhood of Conakry overnight on February 19-20 to protest ongoing power outages. According to local sources, protesters burned tires, erected roadblocks, and vandalized the office of a local Guinean Electricity (EDG) building. Further power outages and associated demonstrations are possible in the area in the coming days.

Context

Blackout-related protests are relatively common in Guinea. Civil society protest groups, mainly organized by the political opposition, denounce what they claim is a failure of governance by the government to address the country's poor economic performance.

Advice

Individuals in Conakry are advised to anticipate blackouts in the coming weeks and to keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible. In addition, individuals are advised to be cautious when driving or crossing streets if traffic signals are not functioning. Furthermore, individuals are advised to avoid all demonstrations, to follow all instructions issued by authorities, and to anticipate travel disruptions in affected areas.