Fondation Hirondelle

Guinea’s interim leader, General Sekouba Konateh has declared a state of emergency throughout the country, following post-election violence.

Violence broke out in the capital, Conakry and other parts of the country after the pronouncement of Alpha Conde as winner of the presidential run-off polls.

While a night time curfew has also been imposed, the army and other authorities have been instructed to ensure that the state of emergency is respected until the final results are announced by the Supreme Court.

There have been constant clashes between police and supporters of losing presidential candidate Cellou Dalien Diallo.

International media reports say that factions of Alpha Conde’s supporters also took to the streets on Wednesday.

The authorities have been moving around communities in Conakry, entreating Guineans to stay calm.

The unstable situation in Guinea has spilt over into Sierra Leone where members of the Fullah and Mandingo ethnic groups clashed on Tuesday and earlier on Wednesday in the eastern City of Kenema.

The Resident Minister East, William Juana Smith brokered a truce between the two ethnic groups.  Mr. Smith spoke about the importance of maintaining peace in the city.

Representatives of the Fullah and Madingo ethnic groups later apologized on radio for their actions; urging their tribesmen to stay away from violence.