Guinea: Protests planned in Conakry October 4-5 /update 2

Event

Opposition political parties are planning to hold countrywide protests on Wednesday, October 4. Protesters in Conakry plan to rally on the Autoroute Fidel Castro, between Conakry International Airport (CKY) and the city center. A related "dead city" protest is also scheduled for Thursday, October 5 in Conakry. As a result, many businesses will be closed throughout the city on October 5. The demonstrations are the latest in a series of actions organized to protest the government's failure to implement reforms laid out in a 2015 political agreement. Protesters are also calling for the security forces to stop using deadly force to disperse demonstrations. 

An increased police presence should be expected in the vicinity of all protests and violent unrest is possible.

Context

Political protests take place on a regular basis throughout the country. Civil society protest groups, mainly organized by the political opposition, denounce what they claim is a failure of governance by President Alpha Condé and his party, accusing the administration of failing to address the country’s poor economic performance. Demonstrators also regularly protest corruption, the high cost of living, public health issues, and insecurity. Clashes between anti-government demonstrators and police regularly take place during protests.

The 2015 agreement promised a revision of the electoral code, an audit of the electoral register, the organization of local elections, and compensation for victims of political violence and their families.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests.