Rabat — Heavy gunfire was heard in the center of Guinea capital Conakry on the morning of September 5, according to a Reuters report and videos shared on social media.
Military sources claim that the only bridge linking mainland Conakry to Kaloum, the city’s business and administrative center where the presidential palace is located, was sealed off. Many soldiers were positioned around the palace, some heavily armed, according to Reuters.
Authorities in the West African country have not commented on the incident, and the reason for the shooting is unclear.
A resident of Kaloum confirmed sustained shooting by phone, speaking on condition of anonymity for their own safety. They described how they saw soldiers warning residents to stay in their homes.
The district of Kaloum is reported to be deserted as terrified residents comply with soldiers’ orders to stay at home.
A senior government official said President Alpha Conde was unharmed but gave no further details. Another witness told Reuters he saw a civilian with gunshot wounds.
Currently, the Moroccan national team, The Atlas Lions, are in Guinea for their second World Cup qualifying match. The Atlas Lions arrived in Conakry on Friday evening, and their current situation is unknown amid the chaos developing in the Guinean capital.
Roman Saiss’s teammates, who will make their second outing in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers after beating Sudan 2-02, will face Guinea’s Syli National on Monday at 5 p.m. to consolidate their leadership position in group I.
