[Africa News\Guinea]
Congresswoman Karen Bass: “Answering protest with violence is unacceptable. I want to honor those killed in political protests in Guinea and wholeheartedly condemn the killing of protesters and the imprisoning of opposition and civil society leaders. Political expression and assembly are critical for a functioning democracy. I urge the Guinean government, among others, to respect turnover in leadership as a key element of democracy.”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Guinea President Alpha Conde’s government is facing protest pressure from the people.
Congressmember Karen Bass, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement regarding violence and deaths at recent demonstrations in Guinea.
“Answering protest with violence is unacceptable,” said Rep. Bass. “I want to honor those killed in political protests in Guinea and wholeheartedly condemn the killing of protesters and the imprisoning of opposition and civil society leaders. Political expression and assembly are critical for a functioning democracy. I urge the Guinean government, among others, to respect turnover in leadership as a key element of democracy.”
Reports indicate that 13 people have been killed in Guinea-Conakry in clashes with security forces in October alone. Eleven of these were killed in protests over a possible Constitutional change that would allow President Alpha Condé to run for a third term. Following this, two others were killed on October 21, 2019 during the funeral procession held to honor those slain earlier that month. During this funeral procession, police used tear gas, batons, and water cannons in response to violence.
Five opposition and civil society leaders were also arrested in October, sparking criticism and solidarity for the protesters around the world. President Condé has remained vague on his intentions to run for a third term in the elections currently scheduled for October of next year.
