By Saliou Samb
CONAKRY – At least five people were wounded by gunfire in Guinea’s capital Conakry on Monday during violent opposition protests against the timing of elections, an opposition leader and a witness said.
As early as 0300 GMT on Monday, some opposition supporters erected barricades and burned tyres on the streets of the seaside capital while youths fought street battles with the police and gendarmes.
According to the opposition, at least three people have been killed and 50 injured in the protests which began last week.
Guinea’s electoral commission announced last month that a presidential election would be held on Oct. 11, a decision the opposition said broke a 2013 agreement to stage long-delayed local elections first.
Analysts say that holding local polls first would give President Alpha Conde’s rivals more influence in organising the presidential election.
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Monday’s clashes intensified in the evening, and regular gunshots were heard in several neighbourhoods.
A Reuters witness met a young opposition supporter named Oumar Bah, who was being carried to hospital by friends after being struck in the buttock by a bullet.
“It was the police who did this to me,” he said.
*(Reuters)*