Clashes between protesters and security forces in the capital of Guinea, Conakry, have intensified, leaving several injured. Protesters are kicking against the president’s intention to extend his term in office but this is not the first time Guineans are protesting.

In fact, protests are resuming after a 3-month lockdown imposed on the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mid-October 2019, rolling protests have rocked major cities in Guinea, to challenge President Alpha Condé’s power grab attempt.

How Guinea Got Here

In 2019, Condé asked his government to start consultations on constitutional changes ahead of the 2020 elections, a process that would enable him to seek a third term in office. The referendum took place in March 2020 with 91.59 per cent of ballots cast in favour of adopting the new constitution, while 8.41 per cent were against it. 

Why did such a controversial referendum gain so much acceptance? 

Because certain aspects of the referendum, like outlawing of female circumcision, underage and forced marriages and a provision for more representation of women in positions of power, are contained in the new constitution. However, it extends the presidential term limit and also gives Condé an opportunity to run for office again and opposition groups in Guinea will not let this stand. 

“I think that we achieved the goal to show that in Guinea there are people who suffer injustice and that the people of Guinea do not support this third mandate of President Alpha Condé,” Cellou Dalein Diallo, opposition UFDG party leader told newsmen.

Alpha Condé became president of Guinea in December 2010 as the first freely elected president in the country’s history, but this is not goodwill he is willing to pass to a successor.

Condé’s second five-year term is due this year, with an election set for October. However, his next move in the wake of a new round of protests is not certain yet.