Security Alert: Conakry, Guinea (March 6, 2023)
Demonstrations are scheduled for the greater Conakry area on March 6, 2023, with a planned protest route starting at Tanerie circle and ending at the People’s Palace. While these protests are planned to be peaceful and are not directed at American citizens, please remember to practice security awareness. You are encouraged to change or postpone outside meetings and movements to another day.
Avoid large, spontaneous gatherings of people. Demonstrations and gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and exercise caution while in the vicinity of large gatherings. Police often use tear gas and gunfire to disperse crowds of protestors. When gunfire is heard, stay inside and away from the windows. If possible, move to an interior room and behind additional concrete walls.
Pay attention to the news, security alerts, and messages. Share security related messages and best practices with other employees, family members, and household staff.
Always be alert to your surroundings while walking or driving throughout Guinea, particularly in the busy capital of Conakry. Pay attention to people, items, and situations that look out of place or seems “not right.” If you see something suspicious, leave the area and report it to local authorities.
While out and about:
· Limit distractions e.g., walking while talking on the phone, wearing headphones, carrying too many items, or not being aware of your surroundings.
· Avoid walking at night and walk in groups during the daytime whenever possible.
· Vary your routes and times when commuting to and from work. Be unpredictable.
· Know alternate routes to and from your locations and remember that routes may appear different at night.
· Drive with windows up and car doors locked.
· Keep your car keys in your hand when heading to a parking lot for ease of access, and so that you can easily sound your panic alarm, should the situation dictate.
· Wear backpacks and purses across your body, to the side away from the street (bag snatching by passing motorbikes does occur in Conakry). Be alert in crowded areas and always maintain control of your belongings.
· Keep valuables, jewelry, and expensive electronics hidden and avoid displaying large amounts of money while in public. If confronted by an armed robber, do not resist. Give up the requested valuables and run away.
As always:
- 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.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
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
