Guinea: Ban calls for calm following reports of violent clashes in capital

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called today for calm following reports of continuing violent clashes in the Guinean capital of Conakry, urging political actors in the West African country to pursue dialogue to create conditions for peaceful May elections.

According to media reports, one person was killed and over 100 injured in protests against President Alpha Conde's preparations for the legislative polls.

“The Secretary-General calls for calm and urges Guineans to refrain from all acts likely to undermine the ongoing peaceful and democratic process in the country,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“He urges all political actors to pursue the path of dialogue in order to address outstanding issues related to the electoral process and create the conditions for the holding of peaceful and democratic legislative elections,” the spokesperson added.

Flare-ups of political violence have occurred before in the country. On 28 September 2009, Guinean security forces opened fire on civilians in an opposition rally in a soccer stadium in Conakry, killing at least 150 and resulting in the rape and sexual abuse of 109 women.