26 Dec 2019 | 10:13 AM UTC
Guinea: December 26 protests postponed to January 6, 2020 /update 19
Nationwide protests scheduled on December 26 postponed to January 6, 2020; heightened security presence and transportation disruptions expected
Event
Members of the Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC) opposition coalition have announced that nationwide protests initially scheduled on Thursday, December 26, will now be held on January 6, 2020. Protests aim to denounce President Alpha Condé's proposed constitutional referendum. Participants plan to gather across the country, with the main gathering expected in the capital Conakry.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions should be anticipated near all demonstration sites.
Context
The FNDC has organized several opposition demonstrations since October 14, some of which have turned violent. Opposition members allege that President Condé, who has been in power since 2010, is positioning himself to change the constitution in order to allow him to run for a third presidential term in late 2020. President Condé publicly called for a constitutional referendum on December 19.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea, notably in Conakry, are advised to monitor developments relating to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
