Guinea: Nationwide protest scheduled for October 14 /update 1

Event

The National Front in Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) has called for nationwide protests on Monday, October 14, to oppose President Alpha Condé's intentions to bid for a third term in office and his call to organize a referendum on a constitutional change to make that possible. Organizers have also called on businesses to strike on the same date to participate in the opposition and avoid incidents.

Although specific details related to the protests have not yet been announced, they should be expected in Conakry and other urban centers across the country.

Related protests are likely to take place over the next several weeks. Heightened security measures, along with traffic disruptions are likely near any demonstration sites; clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Opposition members allege that Alpha Condé, who has been in power since 2010, is positioning himself to change the constitution so he can stand for a third term in late 2020. Condé has now publicly called for constitutional change regarding presidential term limits.

Opposition group Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) leader Cellou Dalein Diallo called for the resumption of protests on September 21.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.