Guinea: Protesters to gather in Conakry on October 16 /update 1

Event

Opposition National Front of the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) activists are to hold demonstrations in the capital Conakry on Friday, October 16. Protesters are expected to gather at 09:00 (local time) near Conakry Gbessia International Airport (CKY) before marching towards the Palais du Peuple. Previous associated protests against President Alpha Conde's candidacy in Guinea's upcoming presidential election have resulted in clashes between security forces and police.

The country will go to the polls on Sunday, October 18, with related protests expected to take place nationwide in the run-up to and during the vote. The timings and exact locations of the events are yet to be announced.

Further 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, and political tensions are likely to escalate in the build-up to polling day and, depending on the result, may continue following the election. 

Advice

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