U.S. Embassy in Guinea

As Ambassador of the United States to Guinea, I would like to offer my condolences to the families of victims killed by gunfire in Conakry on January 9, who, according to media accounts, were bystanders who happened to be in the vicinity of protest activity.  We urge Guinean security services to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, and we call for a full investigation into these deaths.  We urge all demonstrators to exercise their right to assemble peacefully. This loss of life emphasizes the importance of peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and other non-violent avenues.  Guinea has made great democratic strides, and we look forward to working with all Guineans to continue to strengthen that progress.