Increased govt repression of opposition ahead of Dec legislative elections amid concerns over lack of political dialogue over preparation for polls. 27 Sept opposition demonstration declared illegal by govt, repressed by police; at least 3 killed, around 40 injured in clashes. Police 28 Sept raided opposition strongholds, arrested dozens in capital. Electoral commission 15 Sept announced elections will take place 29 Dec; followed criticism of official silence on opposition demands regarding registration, organisation of polls. President Condé 11 Sept publicly implicated civilians linked to Cellou Dalein Diallo, leader of opposition Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea, and former transition president General Sékouba Konaté, in 19 July attack on his residence; accused Senegal, Gambia of complicity.

38 people, including former chief of staff General Thiam, charged in connection with 19 July attacks on President Condé’s home. Leading civil society coalition Guinean Social Movement 10-11 Aug met with govt, pro-govt parties and development partners to discuss controversial organisation of Nov legislative elections. Coalition of opposition parties refused to attend, later met with Condé. Condé 17 Aug appointed Conakry imam and archbishop to head panel on national reconciliation; 15 Aug pardoned 17 opposition activists jailed after April demonstration in support of opposition UFDG leader Cellou Delein Diallo. Group of 19 opposition parties 17 Aug called for parliament to replace members of electoral commission (INEC), due to INEC having missed deadlines during 2010 presidential poll. Opposition leaders 19 Aug announced creation of new coalition, Alliance for Democracy and Progress.

At least 1 presidential guard killed 19 July during 2 separate attacks on home of President Alpha Condé in Conakry. Security forces 20-21 July arrested 38 people in connection with attacks, including 25 military personnel; most of those arrested have links with former junta leader Sékouba Konaté. Media unions reported govt ban on reporting on attacks, lifted after widespread domestic, international condemnation. Leading opposition politician reported missing since 19 July incident.

Electoral commission 14 June said parliamentary elections may take place before year-end, pending govt, opposition agreement on voter registration. National Council of Civil Society Organisations 8 June called on govt to tackle corruption, open dialogue with opposition on legislative elections.

Political tensions remain high as court 12 May handed down 2-year custodial sentences to 3 bodyguards of opposition leader Cellou Diallo following “unlawful”Apr rally, and unidentified men in uniform 11 May raided Diallo’s home in purported search for weapons. At least 25 killed 2 May in ethnic clashes in SE town Galakpaye.

At least 1 killed, several injured 3 Apr as security forces forcibly dispersed rally in support of returning opposition leader Cellou Diallo. Diallo 8 Apr called for release of 67 opposition activists arrested for participation in rally; court 13 Apr jailed 7, handed down lesser sentences to 27 others. Minister of territorial administration 13 Apr announced creation of new electoral commission, electoral register, pledged to hold already overdue legislative elections before year-end.

Interior Minister Alhassane Condé 14 March proposed late-2011 date for legislative elections, despite constitutional requirement that vote must take place within 6 months of presidential poll, held Nov 2010; said delay necessary due to irregularities in electoral register. At least 3 army recruits killed 8 March in riot at Kissidougou military training camp, reportedly over poor living conditions.

National Council of Guinean Civil Society Organisations 6 Feb accused President Condé of violating constitution by failing to define schedule for legislative, local elections; constitution stipulates polls should be held within 6 months of presidential election which Condé won in Nov second round.

Newly-inaugurated President Condé 5 Jan completed appointment of ministers; includes himself as minister of defence, technocrat Mohamed Lamine Fofana as minister of mines and Francois Louceny, Condé’s rival in first round presidential election, as minister of state. Colonel Moussa Thiégboro Camara reappointed 17 Jan to lead fight against drug trade, continuing role held in junta administration. Lt-Col Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite 12 Jan announced desire to return from exile seeking pardon for his commanding role in Sept 2009 army killing and rape of civilians during peaceful demonstration.

Supreme Court 3 Dec announced final results of 7 Nov runoff presidential election, confirming opposition leader Alpha Condé victor with 52.2% of vote. Rival candidate former PM Cellou Diallo conceded defeat, urged supporters to remain calm. President Condé officially inaugurated 21 Dec as former interim leader General Sékouba Konaté previous week officially retired from army. AU 9 Dec reinstated Guinea’s membership, suspended since 2008 military coup. UN SRSG for West Africa Said Djinnit 17 Dec told UNSC Guinea to be commended for “historic achievement”.