Guinea: Nationwide opposition protests postponed to April 5 /update 1

Event

Nationwide opposition protests set to take place on March 29 have been postponed to Thursday, April 5. According to an announcement by the opposition, the deferment is due to a request by Christian leaders to suspend marches until after the Easter period.

These demonstrations have been organized by supporters of the opposition Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UDFG) party in protest of the outcome of the February 4 local elections. Traffic disruptions and increased security measures are expected around protests, including in the capital Conakry. Outbreaks of violence are possible.

Context

Since the announcement of the results of local elections held in early February, opposition political parties have been staging demonstrations and claiming massive electoral fraud. President Alpha Condé's ruling Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party won a majority of the seats, followed by the UFDG.

The UFDG has also organized protests to denounce the heavy police crackdown on opposition demonstrations. According to media reports, at least 12 people have died during the protests that started in February, including some shot by security forces.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly 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.