10 dead in Guinea protests say opposition

Activists opposed to the government in Guinea say at least 10 people have been killed in street clashes that took place during Sunday’s controversial referendum on a new constitution.

The deaths occurred in the capital of Conarky, where police used tear gas against demonstrators. 

The protestors had attacked police and burned polling centres, destroying voting equipment that was also being used in coinciding legislative elections. 

Critics of the new constitution say it is a ploy by President Alpha Condé to stay in power beyond his allotted two terms. 

However, President Condé insists that the new constitution will bring about positive reforms, such as banning female genital mutilation. The constitution has only been in place since 2010.

Months of opposition protests against the referendum have led to the deaths of more than 30 people. Commentators now say they are worried about the vote taking place during the coronavirus outbreak in Guinea, which already has two confirmed cases of the disease. 

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