UK advises against all but essential travel to Guinea following death of President Conte
By eTN /LONDON – The Foreign and Commonwealth Office today changed its travel advice for the Republic of Guinea. Following the death of President Conte, they are monitoring the situation in the Republic of Guinea closely and are concerned by reports of a military coup. They have, therefore, raised the level of their travel advice. The relevant summary points now read:
* We advise against all but essential travel to Guinea. President Lansana
Conte died on December 22, 2008. On December 23, state radio announced that
the military was taking power and that the Constitution, National Assembly,
and all government institutions had been dissolved. The military has banned
any gatherings of large groups and prohibited demonstrations. You should
keep away from any groups that may gather at short notice. Road travel into
and out of Conakry at Kilometer 36 has been stopped. This means road travel
between Conakry and Freetown, for example, is not possible. The situation
is currently calm but remains highly volatile.
* If you are currently in Guinea you should monitor local press reports, take
sensible precautions for your safety, and exercise extreme caution including
in all areas near military camps. A mutiny by part of the army in May and
police strike in June both resulted in disturbances causing deaths. You
should avoid all demonstrations and political rallies. Violent crowds can
emerge at short notice and disrupt traffic flows.
December 24, 2008
Posted in: Travel Advisory