Guinea’s government on Thursday, dismissed claims of an emergency situation near its presidential palace, following reports of gunfire that caused panic in Conakry, the capital.
Earlier in the day, local media had reported that people were being asked to evacuate the Kaloum district, where the presidential palace, government ministries, embassies, and banks are located.
Some outlets also mentioned that special forces were present in the area.
In response, Guinea’s presidency released a statement clarifying that the reports of gunfire were “false and fabricated.”
The government stated that these baseless rumours had caused unnecessary panic, and urged the public to continue their daily activities as normal.
The incident sparked concerns, as gunfire in Kaloum had been a key signal of the 2021 coup that ousted then-President Alpha Conde and brought the current junta, led by General Mamady Doumbouya, to power.
Since assuming leadership, Doumbouya’s government has banned protests and cracked down on dissent.
Although Guinea’s military leaders initially promised to hold elections by the end of 2024, under pressure from the regional bloc ECOWAS, they have now admitted they will be unable to meet this deadline.