Clashes erupted in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, on Monday as young demonstrators and police faced off over demands for a return to civilian governance. The protests coincided with the expiration of the 24-month transition period agreed upon by the military junta and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the 2021 coup.
The unrest resulted in the death of Mamadou Bailo Sidibe, a 20-year-old sheet metal worker, who was shot in the T8 district of Conakry’s upper suburbs. The incident paralyzed traffic and forced businesses to close in various parts of the city.
The protests were organized by the Forces Vives de Guinée, a coalition of political parties and civil society organizations, which called for peaceful demonstrations across Greater Conakry. Their demands include an end to the rule of the National Committee of the Rally for Development (CNRD) and a rapid transition to constitutional order.
Despite the platform’s calls for nonviolence, the government formally banned the demonstration, urging citizens to continue their daily activities without disruption.
Former Prime Minister Sidya Touré, leader of the Union of Forces political party, appealed to the junta over the weekend to engage in “constructive dialogue” and work toward national unity. He also called for the return of political exiles as part of efforts to resolve the crisis.
The military-led government, which seized power in 2021, had pledged to transfer authority to civilian rule by the end of 2024 under an agreement with ECOWAS. However, no elections have been held, and the junta recently announced a delay in the transition process.
The situation underscores growing frustration among Guineans as the country grapples with prolonged political uncertainty and demands for democratic governance.