Guinea: Nationwide demonstrations July 16 /update 4

Event

Further protests are expected to take place nationwide on Monday, July 16, to denounce the rise in fuel prices. Demonstrators have threatened to hold a 24-hour hunger strike and block the Fidel Castro highway in the capital Conakry. Additional protests are possible ahead of and after July 16. Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any gatherings.

Context

Numerous other protests have taken place in Guinea in recent months, mostly over sociopolitical issues.

Violent protests have been taking place throughout the country since July 2, after the price of regular gasoline increased from CFA 8000 to 10,000 (USD 0.88 to 1.10) per liter. The most significant events have taken place in the capital Conakry; police have forcibly dispersed protesters who erected highly disruptive roadblocks in various areas of the city.  

Advice

All those present in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, which can flare up with little warning.