Heavy automatic gunfire erupted near Guinea's central prison in Conakry on Tuesday morning, sparking panic and raising questions about stability in the West African nation. Witnesses reported sustained shooting lasting over 30 minutes, forcing residents to flee as traffic stalled across the capital's Kaloum district.
Authorities have not yet clarified the cause of the violence, which occurred near a facility housing high-profile detainees. Unconfirmed media reports suggest special forces soldiers attempted to free Commander Toumba Diakite, a key figure in the 2021 military coup that brought President Mamady Doumbouya to power.
The incident follows December's contentious elections, where Doumbouya secured a decisive victory amid international scrutiny. Analysts note the timing raises concerns about potential power struggles within Guinea's security apparatus, particularly given the president's own military background.
While calm returned by late morning, the shooting underscores lingering tensions in a country still transitioning from military to civilian rule. Business leaders and investors are closely monitoring developments, given Guinea's strategic importance as a global bauxite exporter.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as investigations continue. The government's response—or lack thereof—could prove critical in maintaining confidence among international partners and the Guinean public alike.
