Three young people died this Tuesday amid protests against Guinea’s military authorities, who have been in control since the coup that toppled the previous government. The demonstrations were organized by the Living Forces of Guinea, known by the initials FVG, which condemned the losses and blamed Guinean security forces for the fatalities in Conakry, the capital. The age range reported by FVG for the deceased was between 16 and 18 years old, underscoring the tension and risk surrounding the street actions that marked the lead-up to the coup anniversary. [Citation: Living Forces of Guinea, FVG]
The National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, abbreviated as CNRD, which represents the transitional authorities, issued a strong response to the peaceful gathering promoted by the FVG on September 5. The statement framed the march as an attempt to destabilize the transition and asserted that any effort to create fear or challenge the governing order would be met with a firm, protective reaction by security forces. [Citation: Official CNRD statement]
Civil organizations criticized what they called a massive deployment of security personnel and condemned the use of lethal force against demonstrators. They reported that 29 people were killed, 108 sustained gunshot wounds, 12 were left life-altered, and hundreds were detained or arrested since June 2022. Allegations were raised that property was looted and homes of peaceful residents were attacked by security units. Courts were cited as recognizing a troubling pattern of enforcement that echoed a crackdown on citizens exercising their right to protest. Critics argued that the force used reflected a broader strategy by the junta that prioritized power consolidation over public welfare. [Citation: Civil society statements and court records]
The FVG urged the international community to press the transitional authorities to uphold national and international human rights obligations and to restore constitutional order. The appeal emphasized the importance of accountability and a return to civilian rule as essential steps toward stability and respect for basic rights. [Citation: FVG appeal to international actors]
The CNRD’s emergence followed a period of political upheaval in Guinea, driven by the electoral outcome and moves to amend the constitution to enable a third term. This sequence culminated after the coup against then-President Alpha Condé in September 2021, an event that many observers had flagged as a turning point with lasting consequences for governance and political legitimacy. The 2020 presidential election, which some candidates had denounced as marred by irregularities, remains a reference point in ongoing debates about electoral integrity and rule of law in the country. [Citation: Context on Guinea’s political timeline]