A startling situation has unfolded in Conakry, Guinea's capital, as heavy gunfire erupted near the central prison, prompting an immediate response from security forces. Reports indicate that the sound of gunfire was persistent, raising questions about its origin and the events that led to this alarming incident on Tuesday. As of now, there has been no official explanation from local authorities.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that numerous military pickup trucks, along with an armored vehicle outfitted with a machine gun, were seen deployed in the central administrative district known as Kaloum, which also houses the presidential palace. A journalist from AFP observed a security perimeter established by police and special forces, restricting access to the area surrounding the prison earlier in the day. However, these roadblocks were later lifted, allowing movement again.
At least three armored vehicles belonging to the special forces were stationed at the prison entrance, and ambulances were noted leaving the premises during the chaos. Thierno Balde, an accountant residing nearby, recounted his experience: "I heard the sound of vehicles speeding past my window, followed by bursts of automatic gunfire," corroborating the accounts of other witnesses who shared similar stories of trepidation.
The gunfire reportedly commenced shortly before 9 AM GMT and persisted for over thirty minutes, creating a scene of rapid-fire tension. Abdouramane Doukoure, a retired civil servant, described being caught in traffic near the prison when he heard the shots. "With the traffic jam, we all panicked and tried to flee in various directions," he said.
Another resident, living adjacent to the prison, mentioned hearing gunfire emanating from within the prison walls but noted that the situation had since calmed, albeit with an air of uncertainty looming. "We don’t know how long this quiet will last," they added ominously.
Guinea's central prison has a history of violent incidents. Notably, in 2023, a jailbreak resulted in the deaths of nine individuals when armed commandos briefly freed former President Moussa Dadis Camara. This backdrop of violence raises concerns about the current stability and safety within the facility.
