Guinea Frees Activists After Deadly Protests

The authorities in Guinea have released three civil society activists who had spent between four and 10 months in prison.

The men, from the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution, were freed after a day of protests against the military junta which seized power in September 2021.

The organisers of the rallies say “seven people died and dozens were wounded in clashes with the security forces.”

Hospitals reported just two deaths.

They were the latest in a series of demonstrations against the military leaders, who have delayed a return to civilian rule.

Meanwhile Riot police in Guinea have clashed with anti-junta protesters, firing tear gas in the capital, Conakry.

Groups of young people were hurling stones at officers and burning barricades on Monday.

According to report, at least 10 people were injured in the confrontations.

Demonstrations also took place in the northern town of Labe and in Nzerekore in the south-east, it reports.

An alliance of opposition parties, trade unions and civil society groups called for peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Amongst their key demands is a call for talks to fast-track a return to civilian rule.

Lt Col Mamady Doumbouya, the commander of the country’s special forces, overthrew President Alpha Condé in a coup in September 2021

BBC/ Mercy Chukwudiebere