Location: throughout Guinea
Event: We have received reports that unrest and violent clashes continue to occur throughout Guinea and we expect that this situation will continue at least through the weekend. Protesters have started fires, are burning tires, spreading motor oil on roads, and have set up roadblocks. We have received reports that security forces have responded by dispersing tear gas into crowds. There are reports that shots are being fired in some neighborhoods. Access to several cities in Middle Guinea (including Pita, Labe, Mamou, and Bomboli) has been blocked by various means.
You should exercise increased caution and avoid any travel that is not essential.
The U.S. Embassy will operate this week with core staff only and staff has been ordered to shelter-in-place.
The Conakry International Airport remains open at this time.
All consular section appointments for the remainder of this week have been cancelled.
The American School of Conakry will be closed all week.
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.
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
As always, there is the possibility that sporadic pop up protest activity may occur in Conakry at any time. Typical locations for protest activity often include, but are not limited to, Rue le Prince from the Cosa intersection, to the Bambeto traffic circle, to the Hamdallaye traffic circle. When violence occurs during these protests, it often takes the form of blocked traffic, burned tires in the streets, and rocks and debris thrown at passing vehicles. Traffic in and around areas of the protest will come to a halt.
Actions to take:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- 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.
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