Unrest erupted in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, on Thursday as frustrated residents clashed with security forces over ongoing fuel shortages. The protests stemmed from the suspension of petrol supplies at service stations following a deadly explosion at the country’s main fuel depot earlier this week.
Sporadic clashes broke out throughout the afternoon, with youths hurling stones and security forces responding with tear gas, according to an AFP journalist on the scene. Hundreds of protesters, many concealing their faces with hoods or masks, erected barricades at several key entry points to the city center, overturned bins, and set tires ablaze.
The demonstrations were largely fueled by motorbike taxi drivers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on readily available petrol. The explosion at the state oil company’s depot in Kaloum, near Conakry’s port, not only claimed 18 lives and injured over 200 but also temporarily halted fuel distribution across the country.
While diesel supplies have since resumed, the continued suspension of petrol has sparked outrage among residents who rely on it for daily activities. “They can’t sell diesel and deprive us of petrol. Most Guineans only use petrol!” the protesters chanted.
One demonstrator, speaking to AFP, expressed their desperation: “We want to work so that we can eat and feed our families, just like the authorities. We don’t have anywhere else to get money from. We just want the government to fulfil its obligations. If they don’t, they should get out.”
The unrest caused significant traffic disruptions for a time, forcing taxi drivers to turn back and avoid potential confrontations. “We can’t continue to move in these conditions,” said taxi driver Diao Balde. “I’m going to park my vehicle (which runs on diesel) to avoid problems.”
Adding to the tension, rights groups have raised concerns about restrictions imposed on some private media outlets and social media platforms during the crisis. “Violations of the right to freedom of expression are now permanent, in addition to those of the right to peaceful assembly,” stated Samira Daoud, director of Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office, in a press release.
The situation in Conakry remains volatile, with residents demanding swift action from the government to address the fuel shortages and ease the economic hardship they face. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the protests subside or escalate further, testing the fragile stability of the country still grappling with the aftermath of the deadly depot explosion.
