Protests erupted in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, on Monday, following the expiration of a deadline for the end of the military-led transition. The junta, which seized power in 2021, had committed to restoring civilian rule within two years. However, no elections were held by the December 31 deadline, and authorities announced a delay.
Violent clashes ensued between police and demonstrators from the Forces Vives de Guinee platform, which includes political parties and civil society groups. The protesters demanded the end of military rule and the establishment of a civilian-led government.
Tragedy struck as Mamadou Bailo Sidibe, a 20-year-old sheet metal worker, was shot and killed in the T8 district of Conakry. Sidibe’s death has sparked further unrest in the region.
The protests brought life in Conakry to a standstill, with traffic blocked and shops closed across the city. Despite the government’s ban on the demonstration, organizers called for peaceful resistance to force the junta to meet its promise of returning power to civilians.
Former Prime Minister Sidya Toure, head of the Union of Forces political party, urged the junta to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. He stressed the need for national unity and the return of political exiles.
The military junta had agreed with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to hold elections by the end of 2024. With the deadline now passed and no electoral progress made, tensions are escalating in the country.