Gunfire reported near prison in Guineas capital, Conakry

Security Forces Deployed Near Central Prison in Conakry

Reports emerged on Tuesday of gunfire near the central prison in Guinea’s capital, Conakry. According to media sources, sustained shots were heard in the area. The identity of those involved and the cause of the gunfire remain unclear.

The authorities have not commented on the incident. Witnesses reported seeing military vehicles and a machinegun-mounted armoured carrier deployed around the Kaloum district, where the prison is located. The presidential palace is also situated in this area.

On Tuesday morning, a security detail consisting of police officers and special forces blocked access to the prison. However, all routes to the facility were later reopened. Multiple armoured vehicles belonging to the special forces were visible outside the prison, while three ambulances were seen leaving the premises.

Several witnesses described hearing gunfire in the area, with one resident reporting that shots were heard coming from within the prison itself. Another witness stated that they had rushed away due to a traffic jam caused by the incident. The situation appears to have calmed down, but the duration of this calm remains unknown.

The central prison has experienced violent episodes in the past, including a 2023 jailbreak where nine people were killed during an armed commando operation.

Source: Al Jazeera