Gunfire Erupts Near Central Prison in Guinea’s Capital, Triggers Heavy Security Response

Heavy gunfire near Guinea’s central prison in Conakry on Tuesday prompted a swift security deployment across the capital’s administrative district, raising fears of another major security incident in the West African nation.

According to eyewitness accounts and media reports, sustained bursts of automatic gunfire were heard shortly before 9:00 a.m. (09:00 GMT) around the prison area in Kaloum, home to key government institutions including the presidential palace. The shooting reportedly lasted for more than 30 minutes before the situation appeared to calm.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement as of Tuesday morning, and the cause of the gunfire remained unclear.

Witnesses told Reuters that several military pick-up trucks carrying armed personnel, along with an armoured vehicle mounted with a machine gun, were deployed to secure the area. An AFP journalist reported that police and special forces initially blocked access roads leading to the prison, though routes were later reopened.

At least three armoured vehicles belonging to Guinea’s special forces were stationed outside the prison, while multiple ambulances were seen leaving the facility, heightening concerns over possible casualties.

“I heard vehicles speeding past and then automatic gunfire,” said Thierno Balde, an accountant who works in the area. Other residents gave similar accounts, describing scenes of panic as gunshots echoed through the neighbourhood.

Abdouramane Doukoure, a retired civil servant, said motorists abandoned their cars in traffic as people scrambled to flee the area. “When we heard the gunshots, everyone ran in different directions,” he said.

A resident living close to the prison said the gunfire appeared to come from inside the facility but noted that calm had returned by late morning. “For now, things have settled, but we don’t know for how long,” the resident added.

Guinea’s central prison has a history of violent incidents. In 2023, a deadly jailbreak left at least nine people dead after armed attackers briefly freed former President Moussa Dadis Camara.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over security in Conakry as residents await clarity from the authorities on what transpired and whether the situation is fully under control.