Protests in Guinea Against Constitutional Change

A demonstrator and a policeman have been killed in protests across Guinea on Monday, according to reports. The clashes were largely contained to the capital, Conakry, although there were also demonstrations to the north in Mamou.

They were sparked over fears that President Alpha Conde, 81, will succeed in pushing through a constitutional amendment that will allow him to govern beyond his two-term limit.

Conde is coming towards the end of his second term in office, having previously been elected first in 2010, and then again in 2015.

He is trying to change the law so that he can run again for a third term next year.

Police opened fire on protestors in Conakry, with one confirmed death.  In Mamou, a traditionally strong hub of opposition support, a paramilitary policeman was reportedly beaten to death by demonstrators.

However, opposition leader Cellou Diallo has told reporters that four protestors have been shot dead, and that up to 38 people have been wounded in both cities.

Diallo ran against Conde in 2010 and 2015, coming second on both occasions.  He told reporters yesterday he wants to “encourage citizens to continue to demonstrate – today, tomorrow, the day after – until our legitimate demands are satisfied.

“We need a clear, firm and irrevocable declaration from Alpha Conde renouncing a third term”, he continued.

President Conde was first elected in 2010 on a manifesto of hope and democracy.  Guinea emerged from two years of military rule and nearly 25 years of authoritarianism when his predecessor Lansana Conte died in 2008.

Since he first came to power, Conde has sought to repress dissent and crush freedom of speech.  This latest move is a worrying step back the country.