The Forces Vives de Guinée (FVG) has announced a nationwide mobilization starting September 5, urging Guineans at home and abroad to take to the streets in peaceful protests against what they term a “commission of perjury” and a “confiscation of power by the junta.”
However, a recent street survey in Conakry reveals a population deeply divided on how to respond.
Alpha Oumar Baldé advocates for a “dead city” day—a complete shutdown where citizens stay home and economic activities grind to a halt.
“We all know how trivialized human life is in Guinea.
They’re going to attack children, not to mention the risk of death.
The government has never taken the protests into account.
A dead city day would be ideal: everyone stays at home, activities are paralyzed, and there are no direct risks.
But going out into the streets is not the solution,” he said.
In contrast, Faya Tounguiano supports peaceful street demonstrations but stresses the need for meticulous planning.
“I propose a truly peaceful demonstration. Because in Guinea, they never are.
We always know how it ends.
We must put in place a clear strategy to avoid murders, looting, and arrests.
In other countries, it goes well. Here, it’s something else.
Yet we have the right to demonstrate,” he explained.
Fatoumata Sangaré fears that protests could lead to unnecessary loss of life and urges dialogue instead.
“There will be more blunders: innocent people will fall… All this for a struggle that will never succeed.
We know the end result: victims and grieving families.
It is better to engage in dialogue or find another solution, that is to say, a peaceful demonstration,” she pleaded.
Meanwhile, Alhassane Sylla questions the motives behind the call.
“They say they’re acting for the people.
Which people? We all know that everyone is looking out for their own interests.
As soon as they get what they want, they jump ship.
They should leave us alone! We shouldn’t let more innocent people fall because of them.
They’re abroad, comfortable, and they’re calling on us to risk our lives here.”
As the September 5 date approaches, tensions simmer in Conakry, with citizens torn between fear, hope, and skepticism over the path forward.
The coming weeks will test Guinea’s fragile social fabric and the resolve of both the government and its people.
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