Heavy Gunfire Erupts In Guinean Capital, Conakry As Security Operatives Lock Down City

A wave of heavy gunfire erupted on Saturday in the heart of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, as security forces sealed off the city, leaving residents and onlookers in a state of distress.

An eyewitness, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed to AFP that the city had been effectively locked down. “There is gunfire echoing through the streets of Kaloum, the political and administrative epicenter of Conakry,” the witness reported.

“The city center has been inaccessible since the early hours of the morning, with neither entry nor exit permitted,” a shopkeeper stated, also requesting anonymity. “I attempted to reach the port area, where I work, but armoured vehicles now stand guard, obstructing all movement.”

Guinea has found itself in a state of political instability, joining the ranks of several African nations that have witnessed coups since 2020, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea’s junta, ascended to power in a coup in September 2021, ending 11 years of civilian rule.

The situation in Conakry remains fluid and concerning as gunfire continues to echo through the city streets. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the ongoing events, leaving the population in a state of unease.