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Guinea: Tension high as army commander is killed ahead of poll

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The killing of a senior army officer in Guinea, Col Mamady Condé has heightened tension in the West African nation ahead of presidential election on Sunday.

Col. Condé’s death is coming just two days before the crucial presidential election which is already characterized by protests.

Local media reported that Armed men shot Col Condé dead on Friday at a military camp in Kindia, 130km (80 miles) north-east of the capital, Conakry.

According to reports there was an attempted mutiny with soldiers seizing weapons to free some of their colleagues who had been detained.

But authorities said that the situation has now been brought under control with investigations ongoing to arrest culpable soldiers.

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Residents said they heard gunshots at 02:00 local time and heavy shooting continued for several hours.

Guinea’s minister of defence confirmed the death of Col Condé in a statement on Friday.

President Alpha Condé’s decision to seek re-election at the age of 82 sparked protests against him which has led to the death of more than 30 Guineans.

The protests were triggered by constitutional change in a referendum in March which allowed him to stand for a third term.

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The Guinean leader has said that his candidacy for President is because of young people and women.

Ahead of Sunday’s crucial vote the country’s border with Senegal and Guinea-Bissau have been closed.

Officials in government said the closure was for security reasons as citizens prepare to vote on October 18.

Guinea: 82-year-old Condé says he is seeking re-election for the youth

Source: Africafeeds.com

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