Guinée: une manifestation en banlieue de Conakry dégénère, le FNDC déplore deux morts https://t.co/FTotkS3lMW pic.twitter.com/Ceuuyk2fgx
— RFI Afrique (@RFIAfrique) February 17, 2023
Peaceful Assembly
Pro-democracy protests continue: two people killed
At least two people were killed and 58 wounded in protests and clashes on 16th and 17th February 2023 in Conakry, according to the Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC), a coalition of political parties, civil society groups and trade unions, the organisers of the protests, aimed at demanding a swift return to civilian rule. Protesters reportedly erected barricades, blocked main roads and threw stones, with security forces using tear gas, while gunshots were heard. Clashes between security forces and protesters erupted in the Conakry suburbs of Kagbélen, Sonfonia, Cosa and Bambéto.
According to media reports, the military was deployed to assist gendarmes and police officers in quelling the protests. Protesters were prevented from gathering at the Tannerie roundabout, an assembly point, by security forces who used tear gas against protesters. Journalists were reportedly threatened and insulted by security forces in Bomboly, Ratome commune, including Abdourahmane Bah, journalist for TV5. According to the protest organisers, about 30 people were detained.
Since May 2022, protests have been banned by military authorities, who also dissolved the FNDC coalition and arrested FNDC activists following protests on 28th and 29th July 2022.
Protests against electricity cuts: protesters sentenced to prison
Since the weekend of 25th – 26th March 2023, spontaneous protests against power cuts erupted in several neighbourhoods in Kankan, eastern Guinea. According to media reports, protesters burnt tyres, barricaded roads and threw stones, while clashes occurred between security forces and protesters on the evening of 27th March 2023. Security forces reportedly fired tear gas and warning shots against protesters. Several people were arrested.
On 13th April 2023, a court in Kankan sentenced 15 people to prison terms ranging from 4 to 18 months on charges such as ‘destruction and damage to public buildings’ and ‘criminal participation in an unauthorised gathering’. Eight people were acquitted.
Police agent sentenced to prison for killing of protester
In a rare moment of accountability for the use of excessive force and protest killings, a court in Dixinn, Conakry, sentenced an officer of the gendarmerie to a prison terms of 10 years and the payment of 100 million Guinean francs (approximately 11,500 USD) in damages for the killing of 19-year-old Thierno Mamadou Diallo, who was killed by live ammunition on 1st June 2022 during a protest against high fuel prices.
Security forces in Guinea routinely use excessive force against protesters, including lethal weapons, leading to the killing of protesters and bystanders, with almost complete impunity.
Expression
Journalist detained, assaulted
On 8th April 2023, journalist Sayon Camara, who works for the online news site Africaguinee.com, was assaulted and briefly detained by police officers while he was covering an eviction operation in the neighbourhood of Kipé, Conakry, despite him showing his press credentials. Camara was picked up by police officers, dragged to the ground and taken to the Kaporo-Rails police station. He was beaten and subjected to verbal abuse. He was released after a few hours in custody.