Guinea: Protesters to gather in Conakry October 15

Event

Opposition National Front of the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) activists are to hold demonstrations in the capital Conakry on Thursday, October 15. Previous associated protests, which are against President Alpha Conde's candidacy in Guinea's upcoming presidential election, have resulted in clashes between security forces and police. The country will take to the polls on Sunday, October 18, with related protests expected to take place nationwide in the run-up to and the day of the vote. The timings and exact locations of the events are yet to be announced.

On September 29, security forces clashed with FNDC activists in the central Kaloum district of Conakry, during which tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd. Related clashes were also reported in the Bonfi, Sonfonia, and Bailobaya neighborhoods, where protesters blocked roads with burning tires.

Protests and rallies are expected in urban centers across the country in the coming days and are likely to be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport. Clashes between rival political groups and between demonstrators and security forces are also likely to occur.

Context

Political rallies, protests, associated violence, and a heightened security presence are expected in the build-up to, during, and in the aftermath of the Guinean presidential election on Sunday, October 18. President Alpha Conde will be seeking a controversial third term in the election, which has caused months of widespread unrest nationwide. Therefore, political tensions are expected to escalate in the build-up to polling day and may well continue following the election, depending on the result.

President Alpha Conde, in power since 2010, pushed through a change in the constitution following a referendum in March that effectively reset the two-term limit in the constitution and allowed him to run as his party candidate in the upcoming presidential election on October 18. Opposition supporters boycotted the referendum and have held widespread protests over the amendments in recent months, which have frequently resulted in clashes with security forces.

Advice

Those in Guinea are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant due to the threat of electoral-related violence, avoid the vicinity of political gatherings, polling stations and electoral commission offices, adhere from discussing politically sensitive topics in public, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.