Clashes erupted in Guinea's capital, Conakry, on Monday morning between police and young demonstrators advocating for a return to civilian rule.

Clashes erupted on Monday morning in the capital, Conakry, between police and young demonstrators after the expiration of the transition period initially set to conclude following the 2021 coup.

Mamadou Bailo Sidibe, a 20-year-old sheet metal worker, was shot and killed in the T8 district, located in the upper suburbs of Conakry. Traffic ground to a halt, and many shops remained closed as the Forces Vives de Guinée platform called for a peaceful protest across Greater Conakry. The demonstrators demanded an end to the rule of the National Committee of the Rally for Development, the military junta, and the establishment of a civilian-led transition to restore constitutional order. The platform comprises political parties and coalitions of civil society organizations.

The government formally banned the demonstration, urging citizens to continue their daily activities peacefully. Over the weekend, Sidya Touré, a former prime minister and president of the Union of Forces political party, appealed to the junta to act sensibly and prioritize national unity. He called for lasting solutions through constructive dialogue and the return of political exiles.

The junta had previously agreed with ECOWAS, the economic and political union of 15 West African countries, to cede power after a 24-month transition. However, the deadline expired on December 31, 2024, without any elections being held. The authorities subsequently announced a delay in the restoration of constitutional order.