African News

Guinea’s Referendum Marred By Violence

Anti-Conde protesters have clashed with police for months

Opposition supporters in Guinea attacked a polling station and clashed with police in the capital, Conakry, in an attempt to disrupt a referendum which they say President Alpha Conde wants to use to extend his time in office.

They also vandalised voting equipment that was also being used in coinciding legislative elections.

On Friday and Saturday there was widespread destruction across the West African country.

Mr Conde, 82, says he wants to change the constitution to introduce reforms, such as banning female genital mutilation – a claim his critics dispute.

More than 30 people have been killed in months of protests against the referendum, which was originally scheduled for last month.

Ahead of Sunday’s vote, many people said they were worried about holding it the coronavirus outbreak.

Guinea, which was one of three countries badly hit by the 2014 Ebola crisis, has confirmed two cases of Covid-19.

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