By Ebi Kesiena
Tensions flared in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, as protesting youths clashed with security forces amid demands for the restoration of petrol supplies at service stations.
The fuel supply disruption followed a fatal explosion at the country’s primary fuel depot, resulting in heightened grievances and sporadic confrontations.
In Conakry, clashes erupted in the afternoon between hooded or masked protesters and security forces. Demonstrators set up roadblocks, overturned dustbins, and burned tires at multiple points leading to the city center. The clashes escalated as security forces retaliated with tear gas against stone-throwing protesters.
While the government has announced the resumption of diesel fuel supplies, the distribution of petrol remains suspended, intensifying the frustration of the demonstrators. “You can’t sell diesel and deprive us of petrol. Most Guineans only use petrol,” shouted the protesters, emphasizing
Recall that in the aftermath of the powerful explosion and subsequent fire that engulfed the state oil company’s main depot in the Kaloum district near the port, the death toll was revised to 23, with 241 individuals reported injured. Investigations are ongoing to determine if additional victims remain unaccounted for.
Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the ruling junta, declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday in response to the tragedy.
The incident, which caused extensive damage to buildings and forced residents to evacuate, brought life in the city center to a standstill. Service stations nationwide temporarily ceased operations, exacerbating the grievances of protesters, many of whom rely on motorbike and taxis for their livelihoods.
