Guinea people organise mass protest against President Alpha Conde

Several people marched on the streets of Guinea on October 24, in mass demonstrations against President Alpha Conde, who is allegedly accused of seeking the third term in the office by trying to circumvent the bar. The protest leads to many opposition leaders and politicians taken in custody. The people held banners of “Amoulanfe”, which means “It will not happen”, they also cried ‘we will not allow it’ and ‘down with dictatorship’. People protested peacefully unlike previous protests which lead to violent clashes. 

Protest against constitutional change

The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) organized the protest. It is a coalition of political leaders and activists who are against the constitutional change which will allow Conde to make a government for the third time. Many protesters were dressed in red to pay their tribute to the ones killed during previous demonstrations. The opposition reported the death of ten people, however, the authorities declared nine dead. 

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Jailed leaders should be set free

People protested as they are tired of lies and false promises. They demanded a new government that is capable of meeting the expectations of people, and believe that a term of ten years was enough for Conde to meet his promises. On Tuesday, the international media reported that twelve of  FNDC leaders were sentenced to one year of prison for conducting the previous protests which led to the killings. The people, however, demanded the jailed leaders be set free. 

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Conde asks his government to draft a new constitution

Alpha Conde, 81, whose tenure as a President is scheduled to end in 2020, has refused to step back from running for the third term. He has asked his government officials to draft a new constitution. The opposition, however, considers this as his way to stay in power and reset his button for the presidency. The new constitutional amendment might allow him to run his government for the third tenure, similar to other African leaders. Conde’s first victory in the 2010 elections gave hopes of a new beginning after two years of military rule, but Conde has been accused of violently repressing the protests and voice of the people, despite being elected for their welfare. 

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(With inputs from agencies)