Guinea: Nationwide protest rescheduled to January 6 /update 20

Event

Members of the Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC) opposition coalition have announced that nationwide protests initially scheduled for Thursday, December 26, will now be held on Monday, January 6. Protests aim to denounce President Alpha Condé's proposed constitutional referendum. In the capital Conakry, participants plan to gather at 08:00 at Rond-Point Tannerie and then march towards the Ratoma area. Related protests are expected across urban centers and other areas in the country.

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.