12 Apr 2019 | 09:49 AM UTC
Guinea: Further protests likely in Boké region over electricity shortages /update 1
Protests in Kolaboui (Boké region) over lack of electricity disrupt traffic on April 11; further outages and protests remain possible
Event
Protests erupted in Kolaboui (Boké region) on Thursday, April 11, to denounce recurrent electricity shortages. Traffic was significantly disrupted as protesters set up roadblocks across the city. Demonstrators have vowed to continue their protests until the issue is addressed. Similar protests took place in Kamsar city (Boké region) on Monday, April 8. Further demonstrations are likely to take place in the coming hours and days.
Context
Fewer than one in five Guineans have access to electricity, leading to lacklustre economic development. Areas connected to the electrical grid still experience regular blackouts, including areas in the capital, Conakry. Protests are common during electricity shortages, often leading to the obstruction of streets and railroads. In 2012, a riot in the town of Kamsar lead to one death and a temporary shutdown of local mining operations.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea are advised to remain vigilant and avoid protests at all times. Potential power outages should be anticipated (keep devices fully charged when possible, etc.).
