The third anniversary of the military coup in Guinea was marked by a day of protests and a heavy crackdown on dissent.
The opposition called for a peaceful demonstration to demand a return to civilian rule, but the junta’s brutal repression continued.
The capital city, Conakry, was deserted as residents stayed indoors to avoid the violence.
One person was killed during clashes between protesters and security forces the day before.
The junta has been accused of suppressing dissent through arbitrary arrests, detentions, and violence.
Junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, who has been sworn in as president and promoted to general, has faced increasing criticism for reneging on his promise to hold elections by the end of 2024.
Many Guineans expressed disappointment and anger over the junta’s backtracking on this commitment.
Meanwhile, two prominent anti-junta activists, Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah, have been missing since July.
Their families and human rights organizations have called for their immediate release and are concerned about their safety.
The international community has condemned the junta’s crackdown on dissent and urged it to respect human rights.
However, the junta has continued to defy international pressure and consolidate its power.