Guinea: Further protests in Conakry October 24, 29, 30 /update 5

Event

Supporters of the political opposition are planning to stage another protest in Conakry on Wednesday, October 24, to denounce violence that occurred during a similar protest held the day prior, in which one person was killed and the car of the opposition leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, was attacked. Furthermore, a ville morte ("dead city") general strike is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 29, as well as protest marches in cities across the country on Tuesday, October 30.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites; clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

Context

The October 23 demonstration was organized to protest the government of President Alpha Condé and the fact that officials elected in controversial local elections held February 4 have not yet been sworn in. Associated ville morte protests took place October 15-16, during which another protester was killed.

Condé's Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) won the majority of the votes in the February local elections, followed in the vote count by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo's Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and a second opposition party, the Union of Republican Forces (UFR). Although the RPG dominated nationwide, the party lost control of the municipal government of the capital Conakry, a major blow given that the city is home to almost a quarter of the country's population.

Advice

Individuals in Conakry are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.