Guinea: two children killed during demonstrations against power cuts in the west

In Guinea, two children aged 8 and 14 were shot and killed on Tuesday during demonstrations in the town of Kindia, 130 km from Conakry.

Young people were protesting against repeated power cuts.

(Illustrative image) A Guinean police officer in Conakry, in 2022. AFP - CELLOU BINANI

By: RFI Follow

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With our correspondent in Guinea

,

Mokhtar Bah

This bloodily repressed demonstration began Monday evening before demonstrators postponed it until Tuesday in several neighborhoods of the town of Kindia, reported hospital and security sources contacted by RFI.

At least two children aged 8 and 14 lost their lives and a dozen others were injured.

Five law enforcement officers were also injured.

According to our information, young people armed with stones and clubs took over the streets of this garrison town, erecting barricades and overturning trash cans to demand the restoration of electricity.

They intended to denounce the absence of power in the city for more than two months.

On Tuesday, local authorities requisitioned the army to try to restore calm to the city center as security forces were overwhelmed by events.

Testimonies collected by RFI indicate that, this Tuesday evening, the army continued patrols in the neighborhoods of Cacia, Tapioca, Abattoir and Wondy in order to prevent any gatherings.

According to 

human rights

NGOs and press counts, at least thirty people have been killed in demonstrations since the coup that overthrew former President

Alpha Condé

in September 2021.

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