Guinea: General strike in Conakry May 14 /update 1

Event

Opposition parties have postponed their journée ville morte (general strike) in the capital Conakry from Thursday, May 9, to Monday, May 14. Protesters are calling for the government to release opposition members from prison and also intend to denounce the results of local elections that took place on February 4. Business and transportation disruptions, as well as opposition protests, are expected during the May 14 general strike.

Context

Opposition members claim that massive electoral fraud was carried out by the ruling party during the February 4 elections. The local elections were a victory for President Alpha Conde's Rally of the Guinean People (RPG), which won the majority of votes. Former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo's Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) placed second, and another opposition party, the Union of Republican Forces (UFR), came third in the vote tally. Although the RPG dominated nationwide, the party lost control of the municipal government of Conakry, a major blow given that the capital city is home to almost a quarter of the country's population.

Advice

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