Guinea: Demonstration planned in Kankan July 7

Event

Demonstrators plan to gather in the city of Kankan on Tuesday, July 7, against disruptions to the power supply in the area. Authorities have asked the demonstrators to postpone their gathering; however, the group organizing the demonstration "Electrifions la haute Guinée" stated that the protest will go ahead.

Previous demonstrations over the issue have turned violent and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Previous gatherings over the supply of electricity in Kankan on June 22 and the capital Conakry on June 24 turned unruly. In Kankan, demonstrators blocked the N6 highway, while in Conakry three people were injured after police fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse the protesters. Service delivery protests have been continuing despite recent talks opened between the community groups between the Guinea Electricity Company since July 1.

Advice

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