Guinea: Heavy Gunfire Near Central Prison in Conakry. Conakry, Guinea — Heavy automatic gunfire was reported near the central prison in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, early on Tuesday, according to local reports.
The incident occurred in Kaloum, the administrative center of Conakry, which also houses the presidential palace.
Witnesses told AFP that the shooting began shortly before 9:00 am (local and GMT) and lasted just over a half hour. Thierno Balde, an accountant in the neighborhood, confirmed the reports, saying, “I heard the sound of vehicles speeding by, I rushed to the window and heard automatic gunfire.”
A security detail made up of police officers and special forces blocked access to the road leading to the prison late Tuesday morning, an AFP journalist observed.
An armoured vehicle belonging to the special forces was also visible in front of the jail. Abdouramane Doukoure, a retired civil servant, reported hearing the gunshots while driving past the prison. “Since there was a traffic jam, we all rushed in different directions to escape, “he.
Another resident, whose home is next to the prison, reported hearing gunfire inside the facility but said that “as we speak, things have calmed down.”
The incident has raised concerns, particularly given the background of political instability and violence in Guinea. Commander Toumba Diakite, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a 2009 stadium massacre, was reportedly extracted from custody during the gunfire, according to sources.
The Guinea government has not yet commented on the incident. Further details are expected.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
