Subject: Security Alert-Civil Unrest-U. S. Embassy Conakry, Guinea (October 24, 2020)
Location: Throughout Guinea
Event: Unrest and violent clashes between security forces and protesters continue to occur throughout Guinea. Calls for increased protest activity beginning on Saturday, October 24 through at least Monday, October 26 have been made. You should exercise extreme caution and avoid any travel that is not essential.
We have received reports of increases in the presence of military and civilian security forces throughout the country. As the protests continue, protesters have started fires, are burning tires, spreading motor oil on roads, and have set up roadblocks. Security forces have responded by dispersing tear gas into crowds. We have received numerous confirmed reports of gunfire. Access to several cities in Middle Guinea (including Pita, Labe, Mamou, and Bomboli) has been blocked by various means. Both civilians and members of the security forces have been killed and injured.
Cellular data service on the Orange network has been shut down.
U.S. Embassy staff has been ordered to shelter-in-place and not leave their residences. Some employees have been moved to safer locations.
The Conakry International Airport remains open at this time. U.S. citizens who wish to depart should make plans to do so immediately.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Guinea, advising U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Guinea due to COVID-19, and to exercise increased caution in Guinea due to civil unrest.
Actions to take:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Remember to let your family members know you are safe. Communication networks may be disrupted. Consider using SMS to check in.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Report for Guinea.
- Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.
For information on what the Department of State can (and cannot) do to assist in a crisis go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/what-state-dept-can-cant-do-crisis.html
Emergency Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Conakry, Guinea
Phone number: +224-655-10-40-00
Email address: ConakryACS@state.gov
https://gn.usembassy.gov/ - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444