Guinea: At least one killed amid clashes in Conakry November 4 /update 10

Event

At least one person was killed and several others wounded after police fired live rounds at protesters in Conakry on Monday, November 4. The violence erupted during a funeral march for demonstrators killed in a recent wave of unrest that started in October. At least eight protesters and a police officer have been killed since October 24, according to government officials, though opposition activists claim a higher death toll.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area over the coming hours. Further clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

At least nine people have been killed in recent opposition protests, which initially started on September 21. The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) political opposition group organized three days of demonstrations between October 14-16, resulting in clashes between security forces and protesters. Dozens of people have also been wounded in the protests.

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

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, minimize movements across Conakry, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.